On 16 September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament, outlining the Commission’s priorities for the coming year. The speech focused on strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including completing the Single Market, reducing administrative burdens, increasing investment, securing affordable energy and strengthening Europe’s technological capabilities. Other priorities included climate resilience, security and defence, support for Ukraine, migration, democracy and the rule of law.

For the sport sector, the broader priorities on social cohesion, skills, youth and democratic participation provide the policy context for EU action over the coming year. The Commission’s accompanying 2026 initiatives set out planned actions to translate the priorities presented in the speech into legislative and policy measures.