The Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus presented the “State of the Union and 2018 Priorities” on 25 January at Merit Hotel in Nicosia. Mr.George Markopouliotis highlighted the Roadmap for a more united, stronger and more democratic union in his presentation.

Presenting his priorities for the year ahead and outlining his vision for how the European Union could evolve by 2025 President Jean-Claude Juncker said: "The wind is back in Europe’s sails. But we will go nowhere unless we catch that wind. (…) We should chart the direction for the future. As Mark Twain wrote, years from now we will be more disappointed by the things we did not do, than by the ones we did. Now is the time to build a more united, stronger and more democratic Europe for 2025."

To steer the reform agenda set out in his State of the Union speech, President Juncker proposed a Roadmap for a More United, Stronger and More Democratic Union. A series of concrete initiatives were immediately adopted by the Commission - on trade, investment screening, cybersecurity, industry, data and democracy.

Every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers his State of the Union Address before the European Parliament, taking stock of achievements of the past year and presenting priorities for the year ahead.

The President also sets out how the Commission will address the most pressing challenges the European Union is facing.

The Commission then adopts a Work Programme setting out the list of actions it will take in the coming twelve months.

For more information on the State of the Union please visit the site: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/state-union-2017_en