Van Overtveldt after the State of the Union: “Right direction, but too slow a pace”

Ursula von der Leyen’s annual State of the Union address was met with approval from Johan Van Overtveldt, head of the N-VA delegation in the European Parliament and chair of the Budget Committee. “After swinging too far in the green direction, the Commission finally seems to have found the right course,” he said. “But progress is moving far too slowly. Europe needs to get to work—especially on the economic front. Greater strategic autonomy is crucial.”

A strong internal economy is more vital than ever

According to Van Overtveldt, Europe’s economy must operate at full capacity to tackle both current and future challenges. “Revitalising our industry and modernising the economy should be top priorities. Relying on debt or tax hikes are lazy solutions that only make matters worse. We need structural growth—there’s no alternative.”

He pointed to weak economic indicators, lacklustre investment, and mounting pressure on exports. Without real momentum in growth, he argues, Europe’s other ambitions will remain out of reach. The fact that only 11% of the Draghi report’s recommendations have been implemented is, in his view, deeply concerning. That’s why the N-VA delegation supports the new Single Market Roadmap for 2028, aimed at strengthening the EU’s internal market.

For Van Overtveldt, Competitiveness The extent to which companies in one country can compete with similar companies in another country. A law came into force in Belgium in 1996 to monitor competitiveness. This stipulates that Belgian salaries may not evolve faster than the average of those in the three neighbouring countries. The Central Economic Council (CEC) performs an annual measurement to see if the objectives have been obtained. competitiveness goes beyond economics: “It’s also a matter of security. Europe must be able to scale up in defence and innovation. Strategic autonomy starts with economic strength, technological leadership and reliable homegrown capabilities.”

Van Overtveldt takes a pragmatic stance on transatlantic trade: “The current agreements are likely the best we can get. Picking fights benefits no one.” At the same time, he warns that commitments around energy and arms purchases could be risky. “If such obligations end up weakening our own industry and increasing dependence on the US, they risk becoming Trojan horses.”

Migration and borders

Van Overtveldt believes wealth creation must once again be front and centre. Migration, he cautions, is no silver bullet: “Productivity growth is far more important. Without stricter external border controls and consistent rule enforcement, we risk losing social cohesion and public trust.” The N-VA therefore welcomes the Commission’s proposal to allocate more funding for border management.

Nuclear energy finally acknowledged

The N-VA has long advocated for nuclear energy to be recognised as a reliable and sustainable power source. “I’m pleased that the Commission now fully acknowledges the important role nuclear must play in our energy mix,” Van Overtveldt said. “In these turbulent geopolitical times, energy independence is vital.”

A new EU budget

Van Overtveldt describes the Commission’s proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) as “a starting point.” “The current framework is outdated and cumbersome. We need a thorough review of expenditures, with a focus on competitiveness, defence, innovation and energy.”

Finally, he warns against excessive centralisation and bureaucratic inertia within the European Commission: “The direction is right, but we’re not catching up fast enough. Europe needs fewer announcements—and more delivery.”