Thread by @Usherwood

Thought I'd check how much COM Presidents have actually talked about Brexit in #SOTEU, following VdL's complete silence yesterday

1/

Yes, this is the first #SOTEU that has unambiguously avoided the topic since 2013 (note, no speeches in 2014 or 2019), but 2016 also made no direct reference (although certainly can read entire content that year as repost to #EURef)

2/

2015 was easily the longest absolute text, reaffirming value of UK membership
2017 was very passing
2018 & 20 were about need to conclude negotiations

3/

So is Brexit not an issue any more?

Not at all. #SOTEU has always been more about structural issues raised for EU structure and operation: Brexit wasn't just/even about the UK in that regard

4/

However, UK isn't a critical partner in COM's global vision, which suggests indifference (on both sides) is likely to be the major barrier to improving the current situation

/end