European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her annual **State of the Union** speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, outlining the growing effects of climate change, such as forest fires, droughts, reduced crop yields, and a significant rise in heat-related deaths. The speech was considered a major political event, setting the Commission's agenda for the coming months. With three years until the 2029 European elections, von der Leyen aimed to define the legacy of her presidency. The speech was crafted with input from national governments, European Parliament members, and various interest groups. A working meeting with Swedish climatologist Johan Rockström in Tervuren was part of the preparation. However, environmental organizations raised concerns. Caroline François-Marsal from the Climate Action Network stated that while von der Leyen did not reverse course on climate issues, the speech failed to adequately address the challenges. Faustine Bas-Defossez from the European Environment Bureau said the speech was alarming when compared to scientific evidence and facts. Von der Leyen emphasized the need for economic competitiveness and proposed speeding up the relaxation of environmental regulations. This aligns with discussions in Brussels about the "Omnibus" texts, which aim to roll back parts of the **European Green Deal**. One of the most visible examples is the debate over banning internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. Other measures include reducing efforts to combat deforestation and removing climate transition plans for businesses. The Commission president defended changes to environmental permit procedures, which could weaken protections for certain species. This has drawn criticism, as von der Leyen simultaneously promotes the goal of carbon neutrality while dismantling policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She highlighted the additional 35,000 heat-related deaths in Europe and noted that Europe is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world. The announced measures focus on adaptation and crisis management, including a European framework for climate resilience, a plan to combat heatwaves, and a fleet to fight fires. The Commission also called for ensuring water access for agriculture and livestock, though the speech did not address potable water access for the population, with 64,000 people in France lacking clean water. Environmental concerns related to artificial intelligence were not mentioned in the speech. The measures were criticized by left-wing leaders as limited and cynical, with Terry Reintke from the Greens group condemning the deregulation efforts and attacks on the Green Deal. Von der Leyen is under pressure from the EPP, the right-wing group, which allies with far-right parties to weaken environmental regulations. As national elections approach in 2027, including in Spain, Italy, and Poland, von der Leyen's options may narrow further. In France, a potential victory for the National Rally (RN) could shift the balance of power in Brussels, as the RN supports fossil fuel use and opposes climate adaptation efforts.