2023 was an important year – one in which the European Union continued to meet the aspirations of EU citizens and to address challenges as they emerged. We stayed the course on the six priorities we set out at the beginning of the mandate, while finding bold and ambitious solutions to some of the greatest tests that Europe has ever faced.

From responding to Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine to managing the worst energy crisis in decades, and from responding to the lightning-speed development of artificial intelligence (AI) to addressing a deepening climate crisis, we rolled up our sleeves and tackled extraordinary challenges head-on. We have shown that our Union is at its best when we are bold.

For the second year in a row, Europe stood up for Ukraine, with unity, strength and resolve, every step of the way. We paved the way for hosting more than 4 million Ukrainian refugees in the European Union and organised resolute financial, humanitarian and military assistance – reaching over €88 billion so far. And we have shown that we will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes. Through the new Ukraine Facility, we will deliver another €50 billion over the next 4 years, to help provide basic services – keep schools open, pay salaries and pensions – while Ukraine’s people continue to fight back against the invader. 2023 will remain engraved in the memories of Ukrainian people as the year when their dreams came closer to coming true.

Recognising Ukraine’s tremendous progress and responding to the aspirations of the Ukrainian people, our Union took the historic decision to open accession negotiations with the country, based on the Commission’s recommendation.

At the same time, our Union persevered with the transformation of our economy. First, it has driven forward digitalisation. Our European Chips Act has already generated over €100 billion of planned investment – both public and private – along the entire value chain. And with our Artificial Intelligence Act, Europe became the first continent to have a dedicated AI regulation in place, focused on high-risk uses. More than a rulebook, it is a springboard for our companies to lead the way in developing trustworthy AI.

Our Union has also pushed forward the transition to a clean economy. We put in place a framework to deliver a reduction of at least 55 % in carbon dioxide emissions by the end of this decade, and thus to keep Europe on track to becoming climate neutral by 2050. Also, with our Net-Zero Industry Act, we are bolstering the EU’s clean-energy manufacturing capacity, to boost our industrial competitiveness and resilience. We will support European businesses in delivering the transition while maintaining their competitive edge, so that Europe remains a prime destination for investment that brings stable, future-proof quality jobs, with a strong industrial base.

To adapt to shifting geopolitical realities, Europe set out its first-ever strategy on economic security. We also took concrete steps to increase our resilience by reducing dependencies and de-risking our economy. This will ensure our sovereignty, security and prosperity for the years to come. This aim is also supported by our NextGenerationEU recovery plan, worth more than €800 billion, which is propelling our economies with a combination of investment and reforms. It has continued to fund hundreds of green and digital projects in Europe, delivering tangible results for Europeans – from offshore wind farms to electric trains, from top-notch digital public services to world-class hospitals.

Looking ahead, 2024 will be a special time for our continent, as Europeans head to the polls to elect a new generation of leaders. It will be an opportunity to reflect on how democracy delivers to make our societies fairer, our industries more competitive and our economies more resilient. I am confident that our Union will continue to stand tall. Because Europe is always strongest when the challenges are great.

Long live Europe!

Ursula von der Leyen