Freddy Jussien, Advocacy Lead at Inclusion Europe, shares his views on the State of the European Union speech.
The State of the European Union speech is one of the most important moments for the EU each year.
Every September, the President of the European Commission speaks in the European Parliament, explaining what the European Union has done, what it is working on, and what are its plans for the future.
This speech is important because it shows citizens what the EU is doing – or not doing.
Also today, 10 September 2025, Ursula von der Leyen gave the State of the European Union speech in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Her speech comes at a time when the EU is discussing very important policies for people with intellectual disabilities and their families, such as the next EU budget, the next phase of the EU Disability Strategy, and its Anti-Poverty Strategy.
👇 This is the “State of the European Union” from the perspective of people with intellectual disabilities and their families, Mrs. von der Leyen.
You said 🏡: “A home is not just four walls and a roof. It is safety, warmth, a place for family and friends. It is belonging.”
True — but not for the millions of people with intellectual disabilities who do not have access to a home, especially those segregated in “care” institutions.
You said 🧑🍳 👩🔧 🧑🏫: “When we talk about competitiveness we talk about jobs. We are talking about people and their livelihoods.”
True — so let’s talk about people with intellectual disabilities who do not have access to jobs, often doing “job-like” activities in segregated settings for only “pocket money” instead of a real pay.
You said 🗣️: “Europe’s independence is about protecting our freedoms. The freedom to decide. To speak out. To move around a whole continent. The freedom to vote. To love. To pray.”
True — but are these freedoms really protected for people with intellectual disabilities? Too many are deprived of their right to decide and to vote, left without support to take decisions.
These are the views of people with intellectual disabilities and their families in Europe showed by Inclusion Indicators
It’s the duty of the European Commission to make the pictures look better. Inclusion Europe will continue to help for a true Union of Equality.
Read more from Freddy Jussien.