State of the Union address by the President of the European Commission (SOTEU 2022)
The EU’s political session began with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address to the European Parliament.

The aspects mentioned, which set out priorities and proposals planned by the European Executive for the coming months, included:
- Ukraine: maintaining sanctions on Russia;
- Energy: temporary emergency measures to address prices, secure reliable suppliers, reform the electricity market and invest more in renewables, especially green hydrogen (European Hydrogen Bank);
- Next Generation EU: more specific projects are needed on the ground;
- Economic governance: proposals in October regarding greater flexibility in deficit reduction, simpler rules and strategic investments;
- Business support: BEFIT package for SMEs, amendment of the late payment directive; European Law on Fundamental Raw Materials and new European Sovereignty Fund to promote PPICEs;
- Promotion of the Global Gateway strategy (including greater focus on Latin America),
- 2023 as the European Year of Lifelong Learning.
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