Ursula von der Leyen delivers her State of the Union address

On 16 September, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver her State of the Union address. Competitiveness, economic security and a stronger Single Market are expected to take centre stage.

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These priorities are also at the heart of the IMACE Manifesto 2026–2029, Food Is Strategic. Our Sector Delivers. Europe Must Act.

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We hope to hear three clear commitments:

• 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧. Companies need fewer overlapping reporting requirements, clearer implementation and a genuine “tell us once” approach. Industry expertise should also be involved more when rules such as the PPWR and EUDR are put into practice.

• 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. Europe’s nutrition policy should focus on nutritional value and dietary guidance, not simply on how food is processed. Margarines and plant-based spreads rich in unsaturated fats can contribute to healthier diets. The Commission’s new public procurement proposal is a positive step in recognising the importance of nutrition and health.

• 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐭. Europe needs resilient plant-oil supply chains, diversified sourcing and a “Food First” approach that prioritises edible oils for food. Long-life foods should also be recognised in Europe’s crisis preparedness, alongside a level playing field and consistent rules across the Single Market.

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Our sector transforms plant-based ingredients into affordable, nutritious and lower-carbon foods. We are ready to contribute to a healthier, more competitive and resilient Europe.

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Read our Manifesto here.