Introduction to the European Union’s Priorities
The European Union’s chief executive, Ursula von der Leyen, is set to outline her priorities for the year ahead. This comes after a challenging summer, marked by criticism over a trade deal with US President Donald Trump. Von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, will address the European Parliament in Strasbourg with her State of the Union speech.
Background on Ursula von der Leyen
Von der Leyen, a former German defense minister, secured a second five-year term last year. She has pledged to focus on building up Europe’s defenses, particularly in the face of growing fears about Russia. Additionally, she aims to boost the continent’s economic competitiveness. Von der Leyen has also been a strong supporter of Ukraine, advocating for continued financial aid and more EU sanctions on Moscow.
The Trade Deal with the US
The trade deal agreed upon with Trump has been a point of contention. Under the deal, the EU agreed to remove tariffs on US industrial goods and ease access for US farm products. However, the EU will have to accept a 15 percent US tariff on most of its exports. Many European politicians and commentators have criticized the deal, stating it is unbalanced in favor of the US. France’s then-Prime Minister Francois Bayrou even branded it an act of submission.
Reactions to the Trade Deal
EU officials have defended the deal, stating it was the best they could get and avoided a trade war. It also provided vital certainty for European businesses. However, others believe that the EU should have taken a stronger stance against Trump, particularly given Washington’s key role in Europe’s security. Alberto Alemanno, a professor of EU law, believes that other EU leaders are "scapegoating" von der Leyen for their own shortcomings.
Economic Reforms
Von der Leyen’s Commission has proposed several policies to cut bureaucracy for struggling industries and help European firms compete with rivals in China and the US. While some industries have welcomed these moves, others feel that the Commission has done too little to implement a competitiveness blueprint drawn up by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi. This blueprint aims to improve productivity and investment in Europe.
The Need for Urgent Action
Mario Draghi has warned that the European Union is "failing to match the speed of change" in the United States and China. He believes that the EU must act urgently on economic reforms to avoid falling further behind. Draghi has called for "results within months, not years," stating that inaction threatens not only Europe’s competitiveness but its sovereignty as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the European Union faces significant challenges in the year ahead. Von der Leyen’s priorities, as outlined in her State of the Union speech, will be crucial in addressing these challenges. The EU must balance its relationships with global powers like the US and China while promoting economic competitiveness and defending its sovereignty. With urgent action required, the EU must work efficiently to implement necessary reforms and avoid falling behind in an ever-changing global landscape.
