2026 SOTEU: Social commitments must match economic & security ambitions

In her speech, von der Leyen set out priorities ranging from economic competitiveness, energy and artificial intelligence to climate resilience, security and defence.

For CESI, the commitment to a stronger and more independent Europe must be matched by a credible social agenda. Economic growth, industrial capacity and security depend on skilled workers, quality employment and public services capable of delivering for citizens.

The speech’s references to the forthcoming Quality Jobs Act, continued implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, a European Care Deal and measures on housing are therefore welcome. These initiatives must now deliver concrete improvements in employment and working conditions and be developed with the meaningful involvement of representative trade unions.

CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger said: “Europe needs a strong economy and competitive industries capable of sustaining quality employment. But competitiveness and workers’ rights must reinforce rather than undermine each other.”

Competitiveness must be based on quality jobs

The European Commission President identified economic growth as a central priority and called for faster investment, simpler procedures, affordable energy and deeper integration of the Single Market.

CESI supports efforts to strengthen Europe’s industrial base and capacity to invest. However, simplification must not weaken labour standards, collective bargaining, occupational safety and health or the effective enforcement of EU social legislation.

As highlighted during CESI’s Summer Days 2026, Europe cannot compete sustainably through lower labour standards. Productivity and economic resilience require investment in workers, skills, innovation, safe workplaces and strong social and public services.

The forthcoming Quality Jobs Act should therefore contain substantive measures rather than rely principally on voluntary initiatives. CESI expects the proposal to address employment security, fair remuneration, collective bargaining, workers’ participation, skills development and occupational safety and health, including psychosocial risks.

Human-centred artificial intelligence at work

The address recognised both the economic potential of artificial intelligence and the need to maintain human agency. It also acknowledged that the benefits and risks of AI are unevenly distributed among workers, generations and regions.

CESI supports the principle that AI should assist workers and professionals rather than replace human responsibility. At the workplace, this requires clear rules on transparency, data protection, surveillance, algorithmic management and human oversight.

Workers and their representatives must be informed and consulted before AI systems are introduced and throughout their use. Employees affected by technological change must also have access to suitable training during paid working time. These priorities are reflected in CESI’s position and demands for EU legislation on AI at work.

Turning social commitments into results

The announced European Care Deal responds to demographic pressures and growing care needs. Its success will depend on addressing workforce shortages and improving pay, staffing, training and working conditions across health and social care. Investment in care services should support accessible provision while recognising and strengthening the skilled workforce that delivers it.

CESI also welcomes the continued attention to affordable housing. The recently proposed EU Affordable Housing Act addresses several priorities previously raised by CESI Youth, including increasing the supply of social and affordable housing, mobilising investment and enabling public authorities to intervene in areas under housing stress. As CESI Youth has stressed, housing policy must also protect tenants and be connected to decent wages, secure employment and strong public services.

The approaching tenth anniversary of the European Pillar of Social Rights provides an opportunity to assess whether social principles can produce tangible improvements.

Climate resilience needs workers and public capacity

The announced framework for climate resilience, European Heatwave Plan, water initiative and stronger firefighting capacity respond to increasingly severe climate risks.

These initiatives must recognise the role and working conditions of firefighters, emergency responders, healthcare workers, civil servants and other frontline personnel. Preparedness cannot be built through equipment and coordination alone. It also requires sufficient staffing, suitable training, safe working time, protective equipment and sustained investment in public administrations and emergency services.

Workers must also be involved in planning the green transition. Climate policy should anticipate employment consequences, support affected regions and sectors and ensure access to reskilling and new quality jobs.

Security spending must not displace social investment

CESI recognises the stated need for Europe to strengthen its security and defence capacity in response to current threats. Greater cooperation on procurement, infrastructure, civil protection and preparedness can improve the effectiveness of public spending.

At the same time, higher defence expenditure must not lead to cuts in healthcare, education, social protection or other essential public services. In its position on reconciling defence spending and investment in people, CESI also called for investment in the recruitment, retention, training and working conditions of military and civilian personnel.

Klaus Heeger concluded: "Europe’s economic strength, security and democratic stability ultimately rest on the same foundations: quality employment, capable public institutions, social cohesion and trust. The initiatives announced in the State of the Union address should now be translated into measures that give workers and their trade unions a meaningful role in shaping Europe’s future."

‍