Von der Leyen’s ‘State of the EU’ speech – key points
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her first State of the Union speech to the European Parliament on September 16. These are the key points.
The response to coronavirus – and protecting Europe’s health in the future
Von der Leyen called for lessons to be learnt, saying Europe must build a stronger European health union, with a future-proof and properly funded EU4Health programme, a reinforced European Medicines Agency (EMA) and a strengthened European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
She pledged to build a European BARDA – agency for biomedical advanced research and development – to enhance Europe’s capacity to respond to cross-border threats. She called for a debate on new competences for the EU in the field of health, as part of the forthcoming Conference on the Future of Europe.
An EU that protects
Von der Leyen emphasised the importance of reinforcing Europe’s social market economy and of protecting workers and businesses from external shocks. She promised to put forward a legal framework for setting minimum wages, emphasising that “minimum wages work – and it is time work paid”.
She pledged action to boost the single market, reinforce the Economic and Social Union, get the Schengen area working in full again, update the EU’s industry strategy and adapt its competition framework.
European Green Deal – reducing emissions by 55 per cent by 2030
Von der Leyen said that the European Commission is proposing to increase the 2030 target for emissions reduction from 40 per cent to 55 per cent. This will put the EU on track for climate neutrality by 2050 and for meeting its Paris Agreement obligations. The Carbon Border Adjustment mechanism will help ensure others will follow Europe’s lead.
By next summer the Commission will revise all of the EU’s climate and energy legislation to make it ‘fit for 55′.
She said that 30 per cent of the 750 billion euro #NextGenerationEU budget will be raised through green bonds. Thirty-seven per cent funding will be invested in European Green Deal objectives, including ‘lighthouse’ European projects – hydrogen, green building and a million electric charging points.
Von der Leyen called for a new ‘European Bauhaus’ as a co-creation platform for architects, engineers and designers, to launch the architectural style of these times, reflecting the aspirations to make Europe the first climate neutral continent.
Europe’s Digital Decade
Von der Leyen said that “Europe must now lead the way on digital – or it will have to follow the way of others.”
She called for a common plan for digital Europe with clearly defined goals for 2030, such as for connectivity, skills and digital public services. She said that the EU will invest 20 per cent of NextGenerationEU’s budget on digital.
A vital Europe in a fragile world
Von der Leyen called for the revitalisation and reform of the multilateral system, including the UN, WTO and WHO.
She pledged that the European Commission will put forward a European Magnitsky act and urged member states to embrace qualified majority voting on external relations “at least on human rights and sanctions implementation.”
Referring to “new beginnings with old friends”, Von der Leyen said Europe is ready to build a new transatlantic agenda with the US and to reach a deal with the UK, provided it honours the Withdrawal Agreement, “a matter of law, trust and good faith” on which “we will never backtrack”.
Von der Leyen pledged an economic recovery package for the Western Balkans and highlighted the importance of Europe’s relationship with Africa: “not just neighbours…but natural partners”.
She pledged to use Europe’s “diplomatic strength and economic clout to broker agreements that make a difference” on ethical, human rights and environmental issues.
She said that the EU wants a global agreement on digital taxation, but will go it alone if that cannot be achieved: “I want Europe to be a global advocate for fairness.”
A new pact on migration
Von der Leyen said that next week the European Commission will put forward its New Pact on Migration, with an approach based on humanity, solidarity and a “clear distinction between those who have the right to stay and those who do not”.
She promised that the Commission will “step up and take responsibility” for dealing with the situation after the Moria fire, but: “if we step up, then I expect the member states to step up…Migration is a European challenge and all of Europe must do its part.”
Rule of law
The European Commission will before the end of September adopt its first annual Rule of Law report covering all EU countries.
Von der Leyen pledged to ensure that EU funds are spent with the rule of law guaranteed.
Anti-racism and tackling hate crime and discrimination
The European Commission will present a European anti-racism action plan, strengthen racial equality laws and extend the list of EU-level crimes to all forms of hate crime and hate speech, whether based on race, religion gender or sexuality, Von der Leyen said.
The Commission will also appoint its first ever anti-racism coordinator.
It will put forward a strategy to strengthen LGBTQI rights and will push for mutual recognition of family relations in the EU.
(Photos: Etienne Ansotte/EC Audiovisual Service)
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