Ursula von der Leyen will address the European Parliament on 16 September for her annual State of the European Union (SOTEU) speech, and the theme of competitiveness is set to dominate the agenda. What the Commission intends to do with the term, however, remains a matter of debate among policy‑makers, think‑tanks and industry observers.

In a new briefing titled Economic Competitiveness and European Citizens, eleven specialists from Brussels and beyond answered twelve questions about the continent's competitiveness debate. Their answers diverged on the root causes of Europe's economic lag, the policy mix required and even whether "competitiveness" is the right lens for the challenges ahead. Yet a clear pattern emerged: the Commission is likely to present competitiveness not merely as a growth driver but as the economic backbone of Europe's strategic autonomy.

Competitiveness as a pillar of independence

Jan Dröge of Schuman Associates expects the term to appear "less as a standalone economic agenda and increasingly as the economic dimension of European independence". He foresees a narrative that links market efficiency with the Union's ability to act without external pressure. Peter Hefele, a senior fellow at the Martens Centre, echoes this view, pointing to a tight coupling between competitiveness, the single market, energy costs, defence readiness, technological sovereignty and the forthcoming EU budget.

For many experts, the international dimension will be front and centre. Karel Lannoo of CEPS predicts a focus on the EU's global standing and its defence posture, while Feriel Saouli of SEC Newgate EU argues that the speech will blend a commitment to open, rules‑based trade with a resolve to curb vulnerability to coercion, unfair competition and over‑reliance on single suppliers.

Domestic links: budget, simplification and collective action

Closer to home, Isabelle De Vinck of Political Intelligence believes von der Leyen will tie competitiveness to two unresolved issues: the EU's multi‑annual financial framework and the Commission's simplification agenda. Elaine Cruikshanks of Acumen Public Affairs adds that the Commission will need expanded powers to react swiftly to global competition, suggesting a possible push for institutional reform.

Another strand of commentary stresses unity over national self‑interest. Roxana Moldovan of Red Flag predicts a message centred on "unity, resilience and Europe's collective strength", framing competitiveness as a shared achievement rather than a competition among member states.

Not all respondents see a dramatic shift. László Andor of FEPS expects continuity with the past two years of policy, though he notes a subtle change in rhetoric that could signal a new emphasis on concrete outcomes.

What concrete actions might be on the table?

When asked what a more competitive Europe should deliver for its citizens, experts stressed the need for tangible projects with clear deadlines, financing and political responsibility. Peter Hefele listed several possibilities: mobilising European savings, completing the services market and the Energy Union, scaling up European technology platforms, and strengthening joint procurement mechanisms.

He also highlighted the importance of linking the agenda to skills development, quality jobs and affordability, the aspects of the economy that people feel in their daily lives. Across the interviews, a common refrain was that Europe does not need another layer of strategies, slogans or targets; it needs the capacity to deliver results that citizens can see and feel.

The report concludes that the upcoming speech will be a test of whether the Commission can move from rhetoric to implementation. If von der Leyen manages to present a limited set of projects, backed by funding and clear governance, the competitiveness narrative could become a vehicle for improving living standards, reducing energy costs and bolstering the EU's strategic autonomy.

Stakeholders across the continent will be watching closely. Trade unions, for instance, have warned that any competitiveness drive must not come at the expense of workers' rights or wage growth. Business groups, meanwhile, argue that reducing regulatory burdens and fostering innovation are essential to keep European firms competitive against US and Asian rivals.

Whether the speech will reconcile these competing demands remains to be seen. What is clear is that the Commission's ability to translate the competitiveness theme into concrete, citizen‑focused outcomes will shape the EU's economic trajectory for the coming years.