Climate policy and artificial intelligence’s labor market fallout will anchor Ursula von der Leyen’s upcoming September 16 address, according to European officials cited by Politico.
The European Commission president’s speech remains unfinished, with final themes still under review. Her chief of staff, Björn Seibert, has already met with cabinet heads from the other 26 commissioners to weigh possible priorities.
Climate urgency stems directly from this summer’s devastating floods and wildfires across Europe. Meanwhile, the Commission fights to protect its 2040 emissions-reduction target as industry groups and several EU member states push back over green transition costs.
AI’s effect on employment will receive particular scrutiny. Von der Leyen’s team has requested fresh data on how many jobs could vanish or emerge as artificial intelligence spreads through the economy.
Other topics expected to surface include migration, social policy, Ukraine, and EU enlargement. The Commission also prepares to revise Frontex’s mandate and operations at the bloc’s borders.
Next week brings a traditional seminar where all commissioners get one final chance to propose priorities for inclusion. Von der Leyen’s address will likely define the Commission’s core agenda for the coming political cycle.
