Obama's State of the Union 2012

I stayed up long today to watch the State of the Union by President Obama live. Having lived in the United States of America, this annual event has caught my attention already back at the time. I myself have introduced the State of the European Union as a similar annual speech I give to the European Parliament and all EU citizens. President Obama's rhetoric is impressive to watch and listen, but I think my 2011 State of the European Union address was also quite a good speech. It would be interesting to explore whether it will be possible to make it a similar prime time event so that all Europeans could watch it. Now I will try to get a short sleep: the College is meeting at 9 a.m. this morning.

Ask me questions on Youtube!

I almost forgot to mention what the Google Policy Blog has already announced: I will be answering your Youtube questions live on the internet in 9 days. I invite all EU citizens to join! And do not forget that tomorrow at 9 a.m. I will give the second State of the European Union at the European Parliament. Maybe some of you will feel inspired to send questions on the important topics I will cover during this speech for the World View interview.

Weekly Commission meeting

I have just come back from the weekly meeting of the European Commission. Tomorrow is my State of the European Union address, and I have discussed with the College some final issues (you remember we had already brainstormed at the Commission seminar in late August). This speech will not just reflect my own ideas about the future of the Union, but it is meant to reflect our common vision and confidence that the European Union will come out of this crisis stronger than it went into it. In the discussion my colleagues asked that tomorrow's speech should be a proactive transmitting new determination to Europe, its leaders and citizens. I could assure my colleagues that indeed my speech will be proactive and filled with the conviction of a better and stronger Europe that will overcome the crisis. Listen in tomorrow!