European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will focus on the energy crisis and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in her third address to the Congress in the European Parliament (SOTEU). This annual event was established by the Treaty of Lisbon in 2010 to make the political life of the Union more democratic. Von der Leyen will talk about the priorities of the European Commission and how the problems facing the EU will be addressed. In such cases, the chairman of the community executive usually addresses MEPs and citizens of the community in English, French and German.

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This is a stellar moment when the European Commission demonstrates its responsibility to citizens’ representatives. This is especially true in times of crisis like the current one. After the speech, the MEPs challenge the Commission in an open debate that will affect EU plans. This is the beginning of the legislative year in the EU.