European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled her political guidelines for the 2024-2029 term, outlining a comprehensive plan to ensure Europe’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness in the global economy. The proposal, as far as sustainable mobility is concerned, focuses on strengthening the European Single Market, promoting a clean industrial deal, fostering a circular and resilient economy, and boosting research and innovation.
Under the plan, the European Commission aims to complete the Single Market in sectors such as services, energy, defence, finance, electronic communications, and digital, allowing companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to scale up and benefit from the market’s full potential. The Commission will also simplify administrative burdens, reduce red tape, and streamline implementation to make business easier and faster in Europe.
The proposal includes a Clean Industrial Deal to support industries and companies in reaching common climate goals while remaining competitive. The Deal will simplify regulations, invest in sustainable energy and raw materials, and bring down energy prices for companies and households. The Commission will also activate and extend aggregate demand mechanisms to secure supplies of hydrogen and critical raw materials.
To foster a more circular and resilient economy, the Commission will introduce a new Circular Economy Act and work to retain the value of resources in the economy for longer. The proposal also aims to make Europe a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation through initiatives such as AI Factories and the development of an Apply AI Strategy.
The plan emphasizes the importance of research and innovation, with increased spending on strategic priorities, groundbreaking fundamental research, and disruptive innovation. The European Research Council and the European Innovation Council will be expanded to achieve this goal.
Finally, the Commission will turbocharge investment by unlocking financing for the green, digital, and social transition, leveraging private capital, and completing the Capital Markets Union. The proposal also aims to develop a European Savings and Investments Union to leverage private savings in Europe for innovation and clean and digital transitions.
In summary, Ursula von der Leyen’s political guidelines for 2024-2029 aim to ensure Europe’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness by strengthening the Single Market, promoting a clean industrial deal, fostering a circular and resilient economy, and boosting research and innovation. The proposal also emphasizes the importance of unlocking investment and leveraging private capital to achieve these goals.
Image: Christophe Licoppe, EC – Audiovisual Service Copyright European Union, 2024
