The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will deliver her annual State of the Union address on Wednesday, September 16, at 9 a.m. in Strasbourg, before the European Parliament. This speech is a key political event, where von der Leyen is expected to outline her legislative priorities for the year, focusing on areas such as defense, climate policy, and migration. The address is also an opportunity for her to defend her leadership and seek continued support from the diverse group of lawmakers in the European Parliament. Von der Leyen is anticipated to discuss several pressing issues, including the effects of an unusually hot summer, ongoing support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, and new policies aimed at addressing illegal migration and regulating minors' access to social media. These topics are particularly relevant as the European Union faces a range of challenges, from climate change to geopolitical tensions. The speech comes at a time of growing political division within the European Parliament, where the traditional governing majority has weakened following the May 2024 elections. The political landscape has shifted significantly, with the European People's Party increasingly aligning with far-right groups, while social democrats and the Greens have warned they may withdraw their support for von der Leyen's initiatives. This fragmentation complicates the passage of new legislation and highlights the challenges of maintaining a united European policy agenda. In addition to von der Leyen's speech, the Canadian prime minister is expected to address the European Parliament on Thursday. This visit signals a potential improvement in relations between Canada and the European Union, partly influenced by the shift in U.S. policies under former President Donald Trump. The European Union is currently navigating a complex period marked by multiple crises, from economic challenges to security concerns, making this week's events particularly significant for its future direction.