SOTEU 2026: What stood out for us, what was missing—a quick rundown.

Energy and climate were established as key strategic issues early on – an important signal. 

Energy prices are structurally too high - this has to change in the interest of a strong European industry.

Europe is heavily dependent on critical raw materials – a problem for industry, but especially for the clean tech sector.

Climate targets are to be maintained. Regarding climate change, the focus is on adapting to the consequences of crises.

VdL focused almost exclusively on industry and the economy. In light of the crisis, she didn’t present big and bold new actions; instead, there were mainly references to ongoing plans.

The gap: the social aspect of the energy and climate transition. There was no mention of affordable prices for households or a socially just transition. There were no answers to rising living costs, concerns about job losses, and structural change in regions particularly hard-hit by the crisis. Overall, concrete and social policies are being neglected.

At our Competence Center, we focus specifically on addressing these gaps, for example here:

• Energy independence and affordability https://feps-europe.eu/event/towards-a-sustainable-european-sovereignty/
• Energy poverty in Europe https://collections.fes.de/publikationen/id/1886041
• Energy communities and social inclusion in the EU's energy transition https://collections.fes.de/publikationen/id/1886208
• Heating Without Upfront Costs: Can Social Leasing Deliver Affordable Warmth in Europe? https://justclimate.fes.de/e/breakfast-expert-discussion-heating-without-upfront-costs-can-social-leasing-deliver-affordable-warmth-in-europe.html
• A European Just Transition Directive https://collections.fes.de/publikationen/id/1885979