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Article by Annalisa Girardi – Journalist, Fanpage.it

Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address is an important one. It’s the last before the 2024 European elections : an event that has the potential to be a year zero for the EU, to indicate the future we want for the Old Continent after years of extremely difficult challenges. “In just under 300 days, Europeans will go to the polls in our unique and extraordinary democracy. Like every election, it will be a moment for people to reflect on the state of our Union and the work done by those who represent it. But it will also be a time to decide what kind of future and what kind of Europe they want,” von der Leyen began, speaking in the plenary session in Strasbourg, home of the European Parliament.

The President of the EU Commission spared no thought for those voting for the first time and imagining a future burdened by war once again on European soil, an increasingly destructive climate crisis, and an incredibly precarious economic situation. “Our Union today reflects the vision of those who dreamed of a better future after the Second World War. A future in which a Union of nations, democracies, and people would work together to share peace and prosperity. They believed that Europe was the answer to history’s call. When I speak to the new generation of young people, I see the same vision for a better future. The same burning desire to build something better. The same belief that, in a world of uncertainty, Europe must once again answer history’s call. And that is what we must do together,” said von der Leyen.

The European Green Deal and the challenge of climate change

He then emphasized how in recent times a true “geopolitical union has emerged, which supports Ukraine and forcefully opposes Russian aggression and responds to China’s assertiveness.” On the economic front, he added, the Green Deal must be the cornerstone: “It is a program of unparalleled ambition. We will continue to support European industry during this transition. Four years ago, the European Green Deal was our answer to history’s call. And this summer, the hottest on record in Europe, has clearly reminded us of that. Greece and Spain were hit by devastating fires, and just a few weeks later, they were hit again by devastating floods. And we have seen the chaos and carnage caused by extreme weather, from Slovenia to Bulgaria and across our Union. This is the reality of a planet in turmoil.”

Gender-Based Violence: “No Means No”

One of the first topics von der Leyen addressed in her State of the Union address was the gender gap and violence against women: “With the Pay Transparency Directive, we have enshrined in law the fundamental principle that equal pay for equal work. There is no single argument why a woman should be paid less than a man for equal work. But our work is far from over, and we must continue to push for progress together. I know this Parliament supports our proposal on combating violence against women. Here too, I would like to see another fundamental principle enshrined: ‘No’ means ‘no’. There can be no true equality without freedom from violence,” she said.

Management of migration flows

Regarding the management of migration flows, von der Leyen reiterated that the EU must stand united and address the issue while ensuring “security and humanity.” She added: “An agreement on the pact has never been so close. Parliament and the Council have a historic opportunity to move forward. Let’s demonstrate that Europe can manage migration effectively and compassionately.”

Von der Leyen then called on all EU partners to “tackle this global scourge of human trafficking.” She also announced that the Commission itself will organize an international conference on combating human trafficking: “It’s time to put an end to this callous and criminal business. We know that migration requires constant work. And this is even more vital in the fight against human traffickers. They lure desperate people with their lies, setting them on deadly routes through the desert or on boats unfit for the sea.”

Then, on relations with the African Union: “We must demonstrate the same unity of purpose towards Africa that we have demonstrated towards Ukraine. We must focus on cooperation with legitimate governments and regional organizations. And we must develop a mutually beneficial partnership that focuses on issues common to Europe and Africa. For this reason, together with High Representative Borrell, we will work on a new strategic approach to be taken forward at the next EU-AU summit.”

It’s important to be present in African regions, von der Leyen continued, also to occupy a space that other actors will otherwise occupy. Speaking of the Sahel, for example, she said: “The succession of military coups will make the region more unstable in the years to come. Russia is influencing and benefiting from the chaos. And the region has become a breeding ground for the rise of terrorism.”

China and electric cars, the Commission’s investigation

Returning to the topic of competition and China, von der Leyen accused Beijing of distorting the electric car market. She announced a Commission investigation: “We are launching an anti-subsidy investigation into the electric vehicle sector from China. Global markets are flooded with cheaper Chinese electric cars, at prices kept artificially low by massive state subsidies. This distorts our market. And since we don’t accept it from within, we don’t accept it from outside. Europe is open to competition. Not for a race to the bottom. We must defend ourselves against unfair practices.”

Mario Draghi’s Competitiveness Report

During her State of the Union address, von der Leyen also announced that she had asked Mario Draghi to prepare a report on the future of European competitiveness. “Three challenges—jobs, inflation, and the business environment—come at a time when we are also calling on industry to lead the clean transition. We must therefore look ahead and determine how to remain competitive while doing so. That is why I have asked Mario Draghi—one of Europe’s great economic minds—to prepare a report on the future of European competitiveness,” she announced.

The economic crisis and inflation

The major economic challenges the Union will face next year, according to von der Leyen, concern labor shortages, simplifying business for companies, and inflation. “The first concerns our labor market. We haven’t forgotten the early days of the global pandemic, when everyone predicted a new wave of 1930s-style mass unemployment. But we defied this prediction. With SURE—the first European short-time working initiative—we saved 40 million jobs. This is the European social market economy in action,” the Commission President emphasized. On the energy issue, von der Leyen added: “We haven’t forgotten how Putin deliberately used gas as a weapon; he created fears of an energy crisis in us, but we succeeded because we remained united and took advantage of the crisis to invest massively in renewable energy.”

And again: “The other major economic challenge: persistently high inflation. Christine Lagarde and the European Central Bank are working hard to keep inflation under control. We know that returning to the ECB’s medium-term objective will take time. The good news is that Europe has started to reduce energy prices.” Regarding businesses, von der Leyen emphasized: “Small businesses lack the capacity to cope with complex administration. Or they are held back by lengthy processes. This often means they have less time available and miss out on growth opportunities. That’s why—by the end of the year—we will appoint an EU SME Envoy who will report directly to me. We want to hear directly from small and medium-sized enterprises about their daily challenges.”

The topic of artificial intelligence

Another point von der Leyen touched on was artificial intelligence. “I believe that Europe, together with its partners, should lead the way towards a new global framework for artificial intelligence, built on three pillars: barriers, governance, and driving innovation.” She continued: “Our number one priority is to ensure that artificial intelligence develops in a human-centered, transparent, and accountable manner. That’s why, in my political guidelines, I committed to defining a legislative approach within the first 100 days. We proposed the AI ​​Act, the first global law on artificial intelligence to empower innovation. Our AI Act is already a blueprint for the entire world. Now we must focus on adopting the rules as quickly as possible and moving towards implementation,” she emphasized.

The enlargement of the European Union

The Commission president also addressed EU enlargement, stating that membership “is based on merit” and that the European institutions will always uphold this principle. “We have seen the great strides Ukraine has already made since we granted it candidate status. And we have seen the determination of other candidate countries to implement reforms.”

He then announced that he had proposed, specifically for Ukraine, an additional €50 billion over four years for investments and reforms. “This will help build Ukraine’s future, rebuilding it into a modern and prosperous country. And this future is clear to see. This Parliament has said it loud and clear: Ukraine’s future lies in our Union. The future of the Western Balkans lies in our Union. Moldova’s future lies in our Union. And I know well how important the EU’s prospect is for many Georgians.”

Support for Ukraine

Von der Leyen reiterated her support for Kiev as long as necessary: ​​”We will always stand by Ukraine, for as long as necessary. Since the beginning of the war, four million Ukrainians have arrived in the Union. I want to say that they are as welcome as they have been from the beginning. The Commission will propose extending the protection offered to Ukrainians in the European Union. Our support for Ukrainians is destined to continue.”

“Writing History”

Finally, the Commission President concluded by emphasizing that the Union finds itself at a time and place where history can be made: “The future of our continent depends on the choices we make today, on the steps we take to complete our Union. European citizens want a Union that defends them in a time of competition between great powers, but also a Union that protects them and stands by them, as a partner and ally in their daily battles. And we will listen to their voice,” she assured. And she concluded: “This is the moment to demonstrate that we can build a continent where we can be who we are, love who we want, and aim high. A continent reconciled with nature and at the forefront of new technologies. A continent united in freedom and peace. Once again, this is the moment for Europe to answer the call of history. Long live Europe!”

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