Today, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will unveil the EU's priorities for the coming year in her annual "State of the Union" address. This speech comes at a time of heightened political pressure, as the trade protocol she signed with former US President Trump this summer has sparked a strong rebound.

Despite winning re-election last year, she now faces a tricky balancing act. She is reluctant to project an unrealistic image of leadership and unity, but she also needs to address the concerns of those in Parliament, the business community, and voters who believe that the agreement with the United States undermines European interests.

Ursula von der Leyen will give a speech in Strasbourg at 9 AM. As usual, this address will set the tone for the EU's future political direction. She is expected to emphasize Europe's defense security, call for increased investment, and strengthen coordination in the context of escalating global instability. In addition, she will address challenges from China and enhance Europe's economic competitiveness to protect local jobs.

She is also advocating for support for Ukraine, continuing to provide financial and military aid, while calling for stricter sanctions against Russia. In addition, officials have stated that she plans to highlight progress in climate policy and digital transformation, showcasing the EU's advanced position in both green and technology.

However, for business leaders, the most pressing question is whether von der Leyen can effectively promote the reduction of bureaucratic burdens and implement the competitiveness plan proposed by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi.

The shadow that lingers in this speech is the tariff protocol she reached with Trump at the Turnberry golf resort in Scotland. The July protocol eliminated tariffs on U.S. industrial goods imposed by the EU, but it strengthened market barriers for U.S. agricultural products. Trump retaliated with a 15% tax on most EU products, breaking the low or zero tax policy that existed before his second term.

Europe reacted strongly to this. Former French Prime Minister François Bayrou called it a "humiliating act" and "another form of slavery." A recent poll showed that 77% of people in the five major EU countries believe that the protocol is more beneficial to the United States, while only 2% think it is advantageous for Europe. More than half of the respondents expressed support for boycotting American products, while others hope that Von der Leyen will resign.

Some European officials argue that the protocol is a necessary compromise to avoid a destructive trade war. Businesses urgently need certainty, especially as they still rely on the US security protocol to ensure European defense.

However, there is still widespread opposition within the parliament. The Socialists and Greens accuse von der Leyen of yielding to pressure from Washington, and even members of her own center-right European People's Party have expressed unease.

Alberto Alemanno, a professor of EU law at HEC Paris, pointed out that Ursula von der Leyen has been made a scapegoat. He believes that although she embodies the weaknesses of the EU, these flaws are not her personal responsibility. According to him, she cannot take retaliatory action against the United States on her own, nor can she respond decisively to the Gaza conflict or advocate for peace in Ukraine.

The "State of the Union" will be closely watched across Europe. For von der Leyen, this is an opportunity to reset the political agenda and seek support in the face of growing public dissatisfaction. She will highlight discussions on the EU's global role, whether in supporting Ukraine, defense issues, trade, or the establishment of climate rules. With the Trump protocol still dominating the headlines, whether she can restore public trust through this speech becomes the focus.

After her speech, the parliament will begin the debate. Markets, industry groups, and global allies are all looking for clues on how the EU will respond to regional conflicts, trade, and international competition. This could be von der Leyen's most challenging "State of the Union".