In this episode of The Sound of Economics, we discuss the State of the Union address that Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, delivered on 10 September 2025. Bruegel's Rebecca Christie, Simone Tagliapietra, Reinhilde Veugelers and Jeromin Zettelmeyer discuss whether the EU is ready to meet the moment. How can Europe boost its economic and geopolitical independence? What steps are most needed to improve productivity and green growth. Did Von der Leyen give a good speech, given the difficulties of asserting European influence in the aftermath of the U.S. recent trade talks? They discuss how Europe can integrate and boost its economy to prepare for a better future. Relevant research: Jeromin Zettelmeyer, Draghi on a shoestring: the European Commission’s Competitiveness Compass, Bruegel Analysis, 3 February 2025 McWilliams, B., S. Tagliapietra and G. Zachmann (2025) ‘Europe’s energy information problem’, Policy Brief 07/2025, Bruegel Aghion, P., D. Hémous and R. Veugelers (2025/2009) ‘No green growth without innovation’ Policy Brief 24/2025, Bruegel (Original work published in 2009)

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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