2024 was a historic year for elections. Billions of people around the world went to the polls, including millions of EU citizens, who turned out in record numbers to cast their vote in the European elections last June. This important hallmark of democracy is a reminder of hard-won freedoms that we cannot – and must never – take for granted. And of the responsibility of leaders to meet the hopes and aspirations of those who put their trust in them.

I am proud and honoured to have been entrusted with a second mandate to lead the European Commission and to continue the work we started five years ago. When I took office in 2019, I could never have imagined the extraordinary challenges we would have to tackle – from a global pandemic and Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine to the energy crises and conflict in the Middle East. All this while also tackling the climate and biodiversity crises, dealing with migration challenges, adapting to the digital revolution and ensuring Europe’s economic growth and competitiveness.

Strength in adversity has always been a European asset. Together, we delivered on the issues that matter to EU citizens. From the reform of the electricity market to the Pact on Migration and Asylum and the entry into force of the world’s first rules on artificial intelligence, we have laid the groundwork for a safer, fairer and more sustainable Europe. Russia’s reckless war has also underlined the need for the EU to be able to step up on defence. Our first-ever European Defence Industrial Strategy, launched in March, provides the foundation for developing Member States’ defence capabilities.

As the first quarter of the century has come to an end, it has brought about a sea change in global affairs. We have entered a new era of geostrategic competition. And Europe must shift gears to sustain its growth in the next quarter of the century. Our new Competitiveness Compass, which we presented at the very beginning of the new mandate, will guide the transformation of our economy to ensure prosperity for our citizens.

As we head into 2025, we cannot know what the future holds, but we do know that whatever it may be, Europe will rise to the challenge if we stay united.

Long live Europe!