Von der Leyen SOTEU 2026: EU seeks Canada association, boosts defense, keeps Green Deal

In her 2026 State of the Union address, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined priorities including competitiveness, AI development, and strengthening trade and defense capabilities. She proposed an 'association with Canada' and reaffirmed commitment to the Green Deal and climate adaptation. The speech signals a strategic pivot toward deeper non-EU partnerships and defense integration, though specifics on Canada association and NATO Article 4 remain unclear.