– 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
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Table of Contents
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.
#issues #affect #autumn
2024-09-12 21:38:02
Building the future with nature: Boosting biotechnology and biomanufacturing in the EU
EU Competitiveness: A Decisive Period Ahead
As the European Union (EU) enters a critical period, the topic of competitiveness has taken center stage in Brussels. The EU is facing increasing pressure to remain competitive in the global economy, with economic giants such as the United States and China posing significant challenges.
According to a high-ranking EU diplomat, the EU is lagging behind in terms of competitiveness, and radical change is needed to assert itself in the global market [[1]]. A recent report by Mario Draghi, the former head of the European Central Bank, highlights the need for a radical overhaul of the EU regime, including increased innovation, collaboration, and investments of at least €9,000 billion per year.
A New Era of Competitiveness
Accelerating European economic competitiveness is crucial for the EU’s future growth and prosperity [[2]]. The EU must adapt to changing global economic trends and harness its collective strength to remain competitive. This requires a concerted effort from EU member states to invest in innovation, technology, and infrastructure, as well as to promote economic integration and cooperation.
Challenges to EU Competitiveness
The EU faces several challenges in its quest for competitiveness, including increasing competition from emerging economies, the need for significant investments in infrastructure and innovation, and the requirement for greater cooperation and integration among member states. Additionally, the EU must address the pressing issues of climate change, industrial policy, and agricultural reform to ensure a sustainable and competitive economy for the future.
New Industrial Strategy and Green Deal
To address these challenges, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has promised to present a new industrial strategy, dubbed the “Clean Industrial Deal,” which will build on the EU’s previous Green Deal [[3]]. The strategy aims to promote decarbonization, sustainable growth, and competitiveness in the EU’s industrial sector. Von der Leyen has also vowed to put pressure on member states to deliver on the large climate change package “Fit for 55,” which was adopted in the previous period.
Defense and Agriculture Reforms
In addition to industrial policy, the EU is also grappling with the need to reform its defense sector and agricultural policies. The commission will present a new strategy for the defense industry, known as the European Defense Industrial Development Programme (EDIP), which aims to harmonize defense material and protect individual industries [[1]]. Meanwhile, the EU is seeking to reform its agricultural policies to reduce emissions and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Uncertain Role for Norway
The EU’s competitiveness drive also has implications for Norway, which is highly dependent on the EU market. Norway has signed an agreement with the EU to strengthen defense cooperation, but its role in the EDIP remains unclear.
New Commission and Chairmanship
As the EU navigates these complex issues, the composition of the new European Commission is also taking shape. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to present her proposal for the new commissioners, which may include a separate defense commissioner. However, the process has been delayed, and the new commission is unlikely to be in place before December.
the EU is entering a decisive period in which competitiveness will play a crucial role in shaping its future growth and prosperity. The EU must adapt to changing global economic trends, invest in innovation and infrastructure, and promote greater cooperation and integration among member states to remain competitive. As the EU navigates these challenges, Norway’s role in the EU market remains uncertain, and the composition of the new European Commission will be critical in driving the EU’s competitiveness agenda forward.
References:
European Green Deal PDF
The EU’s Decisive Period: Asserting Competitiveness and Achieving a Green Transition
As the European Union enters a critical period, a high-ranking EU diplomat has emphasized the need for the EU 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. To catch up, the EU must undergo a radical transformation, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and massive investments.
The European Green Deal: A Key to Competitiveness
The European Green Deal, a flagship initiative of the European Commission, aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050, boost the economy through green technology, create sustainable industry and transport, and promote sustainable agriculture [[1]]. This ambitious plan is critical to the EU’s competitiveness, as it will not only reduce the region’s carbon footprint but also create new opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
From Climate to Industry: The Clean Industrial Deal
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 [[2]]. The strategy for agriculture, another area of focus, aims to reduce emissions and promote sustainable practices.
Unclear Role for Norway
The EU’s Green Deal and industrial strategy will have significant implications for Norway, which is heavily dependent on the EU market. Norway has participated 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). However, it is unclear whether Norway will be invited to participate in the new European Defense Industrial Program (EDIP) [[3]].
A New Commission and the Future of the EU
The EU is also preparing for a new commission, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen set to present her proposal for new commissioners. Rumors suggest that she will appoint a separate defense commissioner, but the portfolio and responsibilities of this position remain unclear. The new commissioners will face a close examination in the EU Parliament before they are finally approved.
the EU is entering a decisive period, marked by a focus on competitiveness, green transition, and innovation. The European Green Deal, the Clean Industrial Deal, and the new commission will play a critical role in shaping the EU’s future. As the EU navigates these challenges, it must also address the concerns of countries like Norway, which will be impacted by the EU’s policies and strategies.
References:
[1] European Commission. (n.d.). Green transition. Retrieved from <https://re
