EU publishes new five year agenda
June 21, 2019
The new strategic agenda 2019-2024 provides an overall framework and direction and is intended to guide the work of the Institutions in the next five years.
In its announcement, the EU explains that in recent years, the world has become increasingly unsettled, complex and subject to rapid change. That creates both opportunities and challenges. Over the next five years, the EU can and will strengthen its role in this changing environment.
This Strategic Agenda provides an overall framework and direction for that response. It is intended to guide the work of the Institutions in the next five years. It focuses on four main priorities, protecting citizens and freedoms, developing a strong and vibrant economic base, building a climate-neutral, green, fair and social Europe, promoting European interests and values on the global stage.
Setting out some details of how to deliver on those priorities, the EU says that to be a strong economic base is of key importance for Europe’s competitiveness, prosperity and role on the global stage and for the creation of jobs. As technological, security and sustainability challenges reshape the global landscape, we need to renew the basis for long-term sustainable and inclusive growth and strengthen cohesion in the EU. This requires achieving the upward convergence of our economies and addressing the demographic challenges.
The EU said that it must ensure that the euro works for its citizens and remains resilient, deepening the Economic and Monetary Union in all its dimensions, completing the Banking and Capital Markets Union and strengthening the international role of the euro.
To maximise its impact, the EU needs a more integrated approach connecting all relevant policies and dimensions: deepening and strengthening the Single Market and its four freedoms, designing an industrial policy fit for the future, addressing the digital revolution and ensuring fair and effective taxation.
One of the key areas is building a climate-neutral, green, fair and social Europe.
Europe needs inclusiveness and sustainability, embracing the changes brought about by the green transition, technological evolution and globalisation while making sure no-one is left behind.
As the effects of climate change become more visible and pervasive, the EU says it urgently needs to step up its action to manage this existential threat. The announcement emphasizes that the EU can and must lead the way, by engaging in an in-depth transformation of its own economy and society to achieve climate neutrality.
The EU explains, the success of the green transition will depend on significant mobilisation of private and public investments, on having an effective circular economy, and an integrated, interconnected and properly functioning European energy market that provides sustainable, secure and affordable energy, in full respect of the Member States’ right to decide on their energy mix. The EU will accelerate the transition to renewables, increase energy efficiency, reduce dependence on outside sources, diversify its supplies, and invest in solutions for the mobility of the future.
Institutions and Member States must work side by side and use their considerable resources in a joint endeavour. The talents of regional and local actors should be harnessed for the benefit of the overall effort.
This Strategic Agenda is the first step in a process that will be taken forward by the Institutions and the Member States. The European Council will follow the implementation of these priorities closely and will define further general political directions and priorities as necessary.
Categories : Around the Industry
Tags : Environment EU Green Policy
