VDL: State of EU is strongest – and as precarious – as it has ever been
“The state of our Union is the strongest it has ever been. The state of our Union can also feel as precarious as it has ever been,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament in her annual State of the EU address on September 16.
Von der Leyen said that kickstarting Europe’s economy “is our number one priority, pointing to the One Europe, One Market Roadmap, and stating that by the end of next year, we can and must complete this historic overhaul of the single market”.
“Our future prosperity and security will greatly depend on how we manage the tipping points of our time: climate change and AI”, she said, emphasing that “Europe can, must and will stay the course on our climate targets”.
She announced that the European Commission will present a new framework for climate resilience, a climate insurance alliance, a European heatwave plan and a European water initiative.
On AI, Von der Leyen highlighted that Europe needs to massively boost its computing capacity and develop new ways to use public and private funds to invest in the most promising European start-ups and companies.
In health, transport, agri-food, advanced manufacturing, and defence and space, industrial AI has the biggest potential, she said, going on to announce that the Commission would soon present “game-changing initiatives across these sectors”.
Speaking about the fractured international rules-based system, Von der Leyen said that “we must urgently reimagine our partnerships”.
Addressing Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney in the House directly, she said: “I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU”.
Speaking about security and the hybrid threats Europe is facing, Von der Leyen said that Europe needs an emergency security protocol to coordinate the European response, to deter further escalation and to mitigate the impact.
Given the nature and scale of the risks at play, she announced that the Commission will present its ideas “to make a European security council a reality.”
On Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, she reiterated the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine and said that the EU will tighten its sanctions on Russia.
Referring to the events in Ceuta over the summer, Von der Leyen said that “Ceuta’s border is a European border. Because Ceuta is Spain. Ceuta is Europe. And Europe will be there for you.”
She also pointed to the 55 per cent reduction in illegal arrivals over the past two years and the further 35 per cent drop this year. “The message from Europe is clear: we will always comply with our values and fundamental rights. But we will never compromise on protecting our borders.”
On the issue of social media, Von der Leyen announced the proposal for an EU Kids Act, to be unveiled on September 17.
“No social media under the age of 13. No personal account under the age of 15”. From 13 until a child turns 15, only mini accounts would be set up and supervised by parents, with limited features and a time restriction to one hour a day. And between 15 and 18, safe design will be an obligation for the platforms.
“Europe has the power to act. It is we who decide our rules, not big tech,” Von der Leyen said.
(Photo: EC Audiovisual Service)
