Thread by @SamJamesMorgan

#SOTEU: It often takes a good lunch to digest EU blah blah, so here we go
There was substance, on health especially. Any push by the Commission to wrest away national powers is notable. Von der Leyen was explicit: dealing with future crises will need the EU empowered more

On that same note, mention of 'own resources' revenues was notable in its absence. The Commission is not banging the drum for tax-collecting power yet, while the EP is desperate for it. UVDL mentioned the possible sources (border tax etc) but not that explicit link

Climate, of course, got a target: 55%. More meat on the bones tomorrow on how to achieve that, so best to hold off until there's official confirmation of what the Comm plan is. UVDL says 55% is 1.5 degrees Paris-compliant, while others will tell you it is not

Will Nord Stream 2 survive? A very wise EU official once told me the Juncker Commission will be remembered internally as the executive that allowed it to happen. Will UVDL's right that "wrong"? This will of course be a member state (Germany) decision, but she can exert pressure

No mention of R&D's reduced budget. No surprise, given UVDL did not address it after the Council brokered an agreement

Verhofstadt, of all people, hit the nail on the head. Most of the initiatives UVDL mentioned are or will be blocked in Council. 'You should repeat your speech to them'

As Michael Roth frankly put it, a lot of what UVDL proposes will not get support in Council. There are good intentions on show today but the very nature of the EU process will lead to compromise and fudge.

What about the concept itself, the #SOTEU? Quick glance at twitter feeds of EUCO leaders shows few acknowledging the speech

Busy men and women, of course. But when Italy & Malta are among the few taking note of the speech, it's clear a European demos etc still needs work/time