Autumn Challenges on the Horizon for the EU

– The EU is entering a decisive period, states a high-ranking EU diplomat at a briefing for journalists in Brussels.

– Now is the time for us to succeed in the transition, says the diplomat.

Must assert himself

Competitiveness is the word on everyone’s lips in Brussels this autumn. How will the EU be able to assert itself in the competition with economic giants such as the USA and China?

– The world has moved forward quickly, but the EU has lagged behind, observes another EU diplomat.

On Monday, a gloomy report about this very thing was presented.

The report, which was penned by the former head of the European Central Bank (ESB), Mario Draghi, states that the EU regime must be radically changed. More innovation and collaboration and huge investments are needed. Nothing less than NOK 9,000 billion is needed a year, according to Draghi.

Now the recommendations from both this report and Enrico Letta’s report on the EU’s internal market must be translated into practical policy. Then the stage is set for heated discussions in an increasingly polarized Europe. Because where will the money come from? Some EU countries will take out new joint loans, which Draghi recommends, while countries such as Germany and Sweden stubbornly resist.

This is also something that concerns Norway to the highest degree. As is well known, the EU is Norway’s most important market.

From climate to industry

A number of other matters are also on the agenda.

During her first hundred days, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has promised to present a new industrial strategy. She has given it the name “Clean Industrial Deal”.

The strategy will build on the EU’s Green Deal in the previous five-year period, with decarbonisation as a central element. Von der Leyen will also put pressure on the member states to deliver on the large climate change package “Fit for 55”, which was adopted in the previous period.

In addition, von der Leyen has promised a new strategy for agriculture. But whether it will appease increasingly frustrated and dissatisfied farmers remains to be seen. For the EU, emissions cuts in agriculture cannot be ignored if statutory climate targets, including a 90 per cent cut in 2040, are to be reached.

Unclear role for Norway

Another big issue is how to speed up the defense industry. During the autumn, the commission will present a new strategy (EDIP), which is scheduled to be negotiated with the EU Parliament in the spring.

A tough nut to crack will be how the countries will be able to harmonize defense material and at the same time protect their own industry. In addition, there is the question of how it will all be financed.

EDIP will replace the European Defense Fund (EDF) and the initiative for the production of ammunition (ASAP), as well as the program for strengthening the defense (EDIRPA), in which Norway has participated, to the great delight of the Norwegian defense industry. But for now it is unclear whether Norway will be invited to EDIP.

In May, however, Norway signed an agreement with the EU to strengthen defense cooperation.

New commission

In the Brussels bubble, there is another matter that characterizes the talks: Who will be the EU’s new commissioners?

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was scheduled to present her proposal on Wednesday. But this has been postponed until next week.

According to the rumours, von der Leyen will for the first time appoint a separate defense commissioner. But what the portfolio of the person concerned will eventually turn out to be, few know for now.

It has caused attention that most member states ignored von der Leyen’s call to nominate both a man and a woman to ensure gender balance. Now she can get the most male-dominated commission in many years.

The new commissioners must, however, go through a close examination in the EU Parliament before they are finally approved. Parliament can give the thumbs down to as many as four or five of them, says one parliamentarian Politico.

The grilling was originally supposed to start in early October, but it seems that it will only start in the middle of the month. Thus, a new commission will probably not be in place before 1 December.

Chairmanship creaks

Among those who are ready to be cut is Hungary’s commissioner Oliver Varhelyi. He has been commissioner since 2019 and has, among other things, made a name for himself by calling the EU parliament a bunch of “idiots”.

Hungary, which has the EU presidency this autumn, has also caused great dissatisfaction.

– That presidency creaks quite a lot, notes one of the EU diplomats.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban provoked many when, in the first week of his presidency, he went on a so-called peace trip to Russia and China. In response, the European Commission decided to boycott informal council meetings held in Hungary’s capital, Budapest.

Here are some⁢ People ‍Also Ask (PAA) related questions ⁤for the title **The EU’s Quest for Competitiveness: Asserting Itself in a Changing World**:

The EU’s Quest ‌for Competitiveness: Asserting Itself in a Changing World

As the European Union enters a decisive period, the⁣ word on everyone’s lips in Brussels is competitiveness. The EU is lagging behind in⁣ the ⁤competition with economic giants such as the ⁤USA ⁢and China, and it’s time for the EU ⁤to succeed in its transition. A recent report by ⁢the former head of ​the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, highlights⁤ the need for ⁢radical ⁣change, ‍including more innovation, collaboration, and huge investments [[3]].

Sustainable Competitiveness: A‍ New Era

In this new era, sustainable competitiveness is key. ⁢Businesses must be productive and environmentally friendly, ensuring economic ‍security for the EU’s economy [[2]]. The EU’s competitiveness depends on ⁢the capacity ‌of ‌firms and ​industries to drive and adapt to change through innovation, raising productivity, and improving resource allocation‌ [[3]].

A New Industrial Strategy

European Commission ​President Ursula von der ⁤Leyen has promised to present a ⁢new industrial strategy, dubbed the “Clean Industrial Deal”. This ‍strategy will build on the EU’s Green Deal, with decarbonization as a ​central element. Von der Leyen will ⁢also⁤ put pressure on member ‍states​ to deliver on the large climate change package ⁤”Fit​ for 55″, which was adopted in the previous period [[1]].

Agriculture and Defense: ⁣New Strategies

In addition to the industrial strategy, ⁢von der Leyen has promised a new strategy for ​agriculture. However, it remains to be seen whether ​this will appease increasingly frustrated and dissatisfied farmers. The EU cannot ignore emissions cuts ⁣in agriculture if statutory climate targets, including‍ a 90% cut in 2040, are to be‍ reached.

Another big ​issue ⁢on the agenda is how to ‍speed up the defense industry. The commission will ⁣present⁣ a new strategy​ (EDIP) in the autumn, which is⁢ scheduled to be negotiated with the EU Parliament in ⁣the spring. This​ new strategy will ​replace the European Defense Fund ​(EDF) and the initiative for ​the​ production of ammunition (ASAP), as well as the program⁣ for strengthening the defense (EDIRPA), in which Norway has participated [[1]].

Norway’s Unclear Role

Norway’s role in‍ the EU’s new strategies remains unclear. As the EU’s most important market, Norway has a significant stake ⁢in the EU’s competitiveness. However, it is unclear whether Norway will be invited to⁣ EDIP, despite signing an agreement with the EU to strengthen defense cooperation in May.

A New Commission: Who’s ⁣In, ​Who’s Out?

In the Brussels bubble, the question on everyone’s ‍mind is who will be the EU’s new commissioners. Commission President ‌Ursula von der Leyen has postponed her ⁢proposal until next week, following criticism that most member⁤ states ignored her call to​ nominate both a man and a woman to ensure gender balance. The new⁣ commissioners must⁣ go through a ‌close examination in the EU Parliament before they⁤ are finally approved, and Parliament can give the thumbs down to as many ​as four ​or five of them.

The Road‍ Ahead

As the EU navigates this ‍decisive period, it’s clear ‌that competitiveness is key to its success. ‌The EU must ⁢assert itself in the competition with economic giants and ensure sustainable competitiveness, innovation, and collaboration. With new strategies for ‌industry, agriculture, and⁤ defense on the horizon, the ⁢EU has a long road ahead of it. But with determination and cooperation, the EU can succeed in ‍its transition and emerge stronger and more competitive than ever.

References:

[1]

<a href="https://commission.europa.eu/topics/strengthening-european-competitiveness/eu-competitiveness-looking-aheaden”>[2]

<a href="https://www.eib.org/attachments/efs/restoringeucompetitivenessen.pdf”>[3]

What strategies is the EU considering to enhance its competitiveness against global economic giants like the USA and China?

The EU’s Quest for Competitiveness: Asserting Itself in a Changing World

As the European Union enters a decisive period, the word on everyone’s lips in Brussels this autumn is competitiveness. The EU is lagging behind economic giants such as the USA and China, and it’s high time to assert itself in the competition. A recent report by former European Central Bank (ESB) head Mario Draghi highlights the need for radical change, including more innovation, collaboration, and huge investments [3]. The report recommends mobilizing at least €750bn to €800bn a year to keep pace with competitors, a daunting task that will require significant effort and resources.

From Climate to Industry

A number of other matters are also on the agenda, including a new industrial strategy, dubbed the “Clean Industrial Deal”, which will build on the EU’s Green Deal with decarbonisation as a central element [1]. The strategy aims to promote sustainable growth and job creation while reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, a new strategy for agriculture is promised, although it remains to be seen whether it will appease frustrated farmers. The EU faces significant challenges in reducing emissions in agriculture, with statutory climate targets of a 90% cut in 2040.

Unclear Role for Norway

Norway, the EU’s most important market, is closely watching developments in Brussels. The country’s defense industry has benefited from participation in the European Defense Fund (EDF) and the initiative for the production of ammunition (ASAP), as well as the program for strengthening the defense (EDIRPA) [2]. However, it remains unclear whether Norway will be invited to the new European Defense Industrial Development Program (EDIP), which is set to replace these initiatives.

New Commission

In the Brussels bubble, there is another matter that characterizes the talks: Who will be the EU’s new commissioners? Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was scheduled to present her proposal, but it has been postponed until next week. Rumors suggest that von der Leyen will for the first time appoint a separate defense commissioner, although the portfolio of the person concerned remains unclear. The new commissioners must go through a close examination in the EU Parliament before they are finally approved.

Competitiveness in a Changing World

The EU’s quest for competitiveness is not just about keeping pace with economic giants; it’s about asserting itself in a rapidly changing world. Restoring EU competitiveness requires openness, innovation, skills development, and the free movement of goods and services, labour, and capital [2]. The EU must mobilize significant resources and effort to achieve its goals, and it’s not just about economic growth; it’s about sustainable development and social cohesion.

Conclusion

The EU is at a crossroads, and the next few months will be crucial in determining the direction of the bloc. The EU must assert itself in the competition with economic giants, address the challenges of climate change, and optimize its industrial strategy. The new commission, with its proposed