Europe must move from words to action
Today’s State of the Union address comes at a defining moment for Europe. The European Union is facing an increasingly hostile geopolitical environment, economic uncertainty, climate change, technological disruption and growing pressure on democracy. Yet this is also a moment of opportunity. For Young Democrats for Europe, the central message of today’s speech is clear: Europe must have the capacity to act — and Europeans must remain in control of their own future.
We welcome the strong emphasis on European independence and strategic sovereignty. From energy and critical raw materials to defence, technology and economic security, Europe cannot afford dangerous dependencies. A stronger European capacity to act is not about turning away from the world. It is about having the power to choose our partners, defend our interests and protect our values. We particularly welcome the commitment to continued support for Ukraine, stronger European defence cooperation and a more coordinated approach to security. Pooling capabilities, reducing unnecessary duplication and making European defence spending more effective is essential. Europe must be able to defend itself while standing firmly with those fighting for freedom. We also welcome the proposal to deepen relations with Canada, including opening the door to a possible first-ever associate membership. In an increasingly uncertain world, building stronger partnerships between democracies is an investment in our common resilience.
A Europe that delivers for everyday life
Europe’s strategic strength will ultimately be judged by whether it improves people’s everyday lives. We therefore welcome the focus on completing the Single Market, reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, strengthening European energy independence and supporting European companies to grow. A competitive Europe must also be a Europe where young people can find opportunities to build their future. The housing crisis deserves particular attention. We welcome the first European Housing Act and, above all, the recognition that the right to stay matters: young Europeans should not be forced to leave their communities simply because they cannot afford to live there. The same applies to care, regional development and social rights. These are not secondary issues. They are part of what makes European freedom meaningful.
Climate and AI: Europe must lead, but responsibly
We welcome the emphasis on both climate mitigation and adaptation. Europe is already experiencing the consequences of a changing climate, and young Europeans will live with its consequences for decades to come. The proposed climate resilience measures, including stronger heatwave preparedness, urban adaptation and action on wildfires, should now translate into concrete protection for citizens and communities. On artificial intelligence, Europe must remain in the race while protecting human agency. We welcome investment in European computing capacity, startups and AI applications that can improve healthcare, productivity and public services. AI should empower people, not replace their agency. Europe’s competitive advantage can be precisely this combination of innovation, trust and fundamental rights.
From protecting young people to empowering young people
We welcome the proposed EU Kids Act and the ambition to create a safer digital environment for minors. The principle that platforms should bear greater responsibility for proving that their services are safe is an important step. But protecting young people cannot be the whole youth agenda. Young Europeans also need skills, jobs, affordable housing, mobility and opportunities to participate in shaping Europe today. We will therefore follow closely how the new initiatives translate into concrete opportunities for our generation. Young people should not only be protected from the future. We should be empowered to build it.
Europe needs political courage too
We also believe that the speech leaves some important questions unanswered. Europe cannot build strategic sovereignty while remaining unable to act decisively when unanimity allows individual governments to block common foreign policy decisions. The EU needs a serious debate on overcoming vetoes and strengthening its capacity to act internationally.
On Gaza and the Middle East, we welcome the commitment to humanitarian assistance and support for the Palestinian population. But humanitarian support cannot be the endpoint. Europe must translate its words into political action, including a credible diplomatic strategy capable of contributing to a lasting two-state solution and regional peace.
And on the rule of law and democratic resilience, Europe must remain consistent. The defence of European values cannot depend on political convenience.
Europe’s next chapter must belong to its citizens
We welcome the proposal for a new Congress of Europe to help develop a new European vision and reconnect the European project with the imagination of a new generation. But if this is to succeed, young people must not simply be invited to listen. Young Europeans must be protagonists — today, not tomorrow. Our generation is already creating businesses, researching new technologies, defending democracy, volunteering, studying across borders and shaping European society. We should have a seat at the table when Europe decides what comes next. The State of the Union has outlined an ambitious direction. We welcome much of it. But Europe now needs to make the decisive transition from words to action, from announcements to implementation, and from directives to tangible results. The future of Europe is not predetermined. It is in the hands of Europeans — and our generation is ready to take responsibility for it.
Matteo Brizzi – Spokesperson Young Democrats for Europe (YDE)
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