State of the European Union 2026: What does it mean for philanthropy?
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s latest State of the European Union speech focused on Europe’s response to a rapidly changing world. While much of the attention has centred on security, competitiveness and economic growth, there are also important signals for philanthropy.
The President opened with Charles Dickens’ words describing the French Revolution: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. She drew a parallel to the current state of Europe, facing an unprecedented speed of change, and the need to come together as Europeans. Russia’s war of aggression, climate change and artificial intelligence were highlighted as the defining challenges for the years ahead.
In her speech, President Ursula von der Leyen outlined the main priorities and initiatives for the year to come:
- Competitiveness and jobs, including tackling unjustified territorial supply constraints in the single market
- Social and inclusion, including housing simplification package
- Security and defence
- Climate and resilience
- Democracy, rule of law and values, including Congress of Europe
A stronger single market for public good
The President highlighted that the European Commission will continue its work on competitiveness and strengthening the single market. For philanthropy, this presents an opportunity to advocate for a single market that works not only for businesses, but also for organisations serving the public good. Efforts to simplify rules and reduce administrative burdens should benefit philanthropic organisations as well. This is particularly important for cross-border philanthropy, including donations and investments.
Democracy and civic space remain a priority
The speech acknowledged growing threats to democracy and the rule of law across Europe. President von er Leyen reaffirmed the importance of the annual rule of law reports as a key instrument to detect issues and address them through dialogue. She also reiterated that the next long-term budget must put respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights at the centre. This so-called “conditionality” has been called for and supported by Philea and various civil society partners, alongside our call for a strong Agora EU in the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Philea will continue to engage around the Centre for Democratic Resilience, European Democracy Shield and Civil Society Strategy.
In 2027, during Philea’s Year of Democracy, Europe will mark the 70th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome with the launch of a new Congress of Europe. Together, these milestones offer an opportunity to strengthen democratic participation, civic engagement and public trust, while helping to renew the European imagination for future generations.
New opportunities for public-philanthropic partnerships
One of the most relevant messages for philanthropy concerned investment and innovation. The Commission plans to develop new ways of combining public and private capital to support Europe’s most promising companies and start-ups. This creates opportunities to strengthen partnerships between philanthropy and EU institutions. Some foundations are already demonstrating this through their involvement in initiatives such as the European Scaleup Fund and philanthropy is also a key partner for the European Commission for the implementation of the Affordable Housing Act. Foundations and companies will form part of the newly-launched coalition against poverty, which will also look into the topic of affordable and social housing.
Additionally, through the Global Gateway strategy, the Commission aims to mobilise additional public and private investment worldwide. Philea and its members are already contributing to conversations around Global Gateway and related initiatives, including Investing in Young Business in Africa.
The next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) could further expand opportunities for co-investment, co-granting and strategic public-philanthropic partnerships.
Image credit: © European Union 2026 – Source: EP
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