{"id":1194028,"date":"2023-09-13T12:55:25","date_gmt":"2023-09-13T10:55:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webalkans.eu\/?p=1194028"},"modified":"2023-09-13T13:02:00","modified_gmt":"2023-09-13T11:02:00","slug":"2023-state-of-the-union-address-by-president-von-der-leyen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/webalkans.eu\/en\/news\/2023-state-of-the-union-address-by-president-von-der-leyen\/","title":{"rendered":"2023 State of the Union Address by President von der Leyen"},"content":{"rendered":"

ANSWERING THE CALL OF HISTORY<\/strong><\/p>\n

INTRODUCTION \u2013 DELIVER TODAY, PREPARE FOR TOMORROW<\/strong><\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

In just under 300 days, Europeans will take to the polls in our unique and remarkable democracy.<\/p>\n

As with any election, it will be a time for people to reflect on the State of our Union and the work done by those that represent them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But it will also be a time to decide on what kind of future and what kind of Europe they want.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Among them will be millions of first-time voters, the youngest of whom were born in 2008.<\/p>\n

As they stand in that polling booth, they will think about what matters to them.<\/p>\n

They will think about the war that rages at our borders.<\/p>\n

Or the impact of destructive climate change.<\/p>\n

About how artificial intelligence will influence their lives.<\/p>\n

Or of their chances of getting a house or a job in the years ahead.<\/p>\n

Our Union today<\/strong>\u00a0reflects the vision of those who dreamt of a better future after\u00a0World War II.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

A future in which a Union of nations, democracies and people would work together to share peace and prosperity.<\/p>\n

They believed that Europe was the answer to the call of history.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

When I speak to the new generation of young people, I see that same vision for a better future.<\/p>\n

That same burning desire to build something better.<\/p>\n

That same belief that in a world of uncertainty,\u00a0Europe once again must answer the call of history.<\/strong><\/p>\n

And that is what we must do\u00a0together<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

This starts with\u00a0earning the trust<\/strong>\u00a0of Europeans to deal with their aspirations and anxieties.<\/p>\n

And in the\u00a0next 300 days<\/strong>\u00a0we must\u00a0finish the job\u00a0<\/strong>that they entrusted us with.<\/p>\n

I want to thank this House for its leading role in delivering on one of the most ambitious transformations this Union has ever embarked on.<\/p>\n

When I stood in front of you in 2019 with my programme for a\u00a0green, digital and geopolitical Europe<\/strong>\u00a0I know that\u00a0some had doubts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

And that was\u00a0before<\/strong>\u00a0the world turned upside down with a global pandemic and a brutal war on European soil.<\/p>\n

But look at where Europe is today.<\/p>\n

We have seen the birth of a\u00a0geopolitical Union<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 supporting Ukraine, standing up to Russia’s aggression, responding to an assertive China and investing in partnerships.<\/p>\n

We now have a\u00a0European Green Deal<\/strong>\u00a0as the\u00a0centrepiece<\/strong>\u00a0of our economy and\u00a0unmatched<\/strong>\u00a0in ambition.<\/p>\n

We have set the path for the\u00a0digital transition<\/strong>\u00a0and become\u00a0global pioneers in online rights<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

We have the historic\u00a0NextGenerationEU \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>combining 800 billion euros of\u00a0investment and reform\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 and\u00a0creating decent jobs<\/strong>\u00a0for today and tomorrow.<\/p>\n

We have set the\u00a0building blocks<\/strong>\u00a0for a\u00a0Health Union<\/strong>, helping to vaccinate an entire continent \u2013 and large parts of the world.<\/p>\n

We have started making ourselves\u00a0more independent<\/strong>\u00a0in critical sectors, like energy, chips or raw materials.<\/p>\n

I would also like to thank you for the\u00a0ground-breaking and pioneering work<\/strong>\u00a0we did on\u00a0gender equality<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

As a woman, this means a lot to me.<\/p>\n

We have concluded files that many thought would be blocked forever, like the\u00a0Women on Boards Directive<\/strong>\u00a0and the\u00a0historic accession of the EU to the Istanbul Convention<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

With the\u00a0Directive on pay transparency<\/strong>\u00a0we have cast into law the basic principle that equal work deserves equal pay.<\/p>\n

There is not a single argument why<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 for the same type of work \u2013 a woman should be paid less than a man.<\/p>\n

But our work is far from over and we must continue pushing for progress together.<\/p>\n

I know this house supports our proposal on\u00a0combating violence against women<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Here too, I would like that we cast into law another basic principle:\u00a0No, means no<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

There can be no true equality without freedom from violence.<\/strong><\/p>\n

And thanks to this Parliament, to Member States and to my team of Commissioners, we have\u00a0delivered over 90% of the Political Guidelines<\/strong>\u00a0I presented in 2019.<\/p>\n

Together, we have shown that\u00a0when Europe is bold, it gets things done.<\/strong><\/p>\n

And our work is far from over –\u00a0so let’s stand together.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let’s deliver today and prepare for tomorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL<\/strong><\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

Four years ago, the European Green Deal was our\u00a0answer to the call of history.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

And this summer \u2013 the hottest ever on record in Europe \u2013 was a stark reminder of that.<\/p>\n

Greece and Spain<\/strong>\u00a0were struck by ravaging wildfires \u2013 and were hit again only a few weeks later by devastating floods.<\/p>\n

And we saw the\u00a0chaos and carnage<\/strong>\u00a0of extreme weather \u2013 from Slovenia to Bulgaria and right across our Union.<\/p>\n

This is the reality of a boiling planet.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The European Green Deal was born out of this necessity to protect our planet.<\/p>\n

But it was also designed as an opportunity\u00a0<\/em>to preserve our future prosperity.<\/p>\n

We started this mandate by setting a long-term perspective with the climate law and the 2050 target.<\/p>\n

We shifted the climate agenda to being an\u00a0economic<\/strong>\u00a0one.<\/p>\n

This has given a\u00a0clear sense of direction for investment and innovation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

And we have already seen this\u00a0growth strategy delivering<\/strong>\u00a0in the short-term.<\/p>\n

Europe’s industry is showing every day that it is ready to power this transition.<\/p>\n

Proving that\u00a0modernisation and decarbonisation<\/strong>\u00a0can go hand in hand.<\/p>\n

In the last five years, the number of\u00a0clean steel factories<\/strong>\u00a0in the EU has grown from zero to 38.<\/p>\n

We are now attracting\u00a0more investment in clean hydrogen<\/strong>\u00a0than the US and China\u00a0combined<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

And tomorrow I will be in Denmark with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to see that innovation first hand.<\/p>\n

We will mark the launch of the first container ship, powered by clean methanol made with solar energy.<\/p>\n

This is the strength of Europe’s response to climate change.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The European Green Deal provides the necessary frame, incentives, and investment \u2013 but it is the people, the inventors, the engineers who develop the solutions.<\/p>\n

And this is why, Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

as we enter the\u00a0next phase<\/strong>\u00a0of the European Green Deal, one thing will never change.<\/p>\n

We will keep supporting European industry throughout this transition.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

We started with a package of measures \u2013\u00a0from the Net-Zero Industry Act to the Critical Raw Materials Act.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

With our\u00a0Industry Strategy<\/strong>, we are looking at the risks and needs of each ecosystem in this transition.<\/p>\n

We need to finish this work.<\/p>\n

And with this, we need to develop an approach for each industrial ecosystem.<\/p>\n

Therefore, starting from this month, we will hold\u00a0a series of Clean Transition Dialogues<\/strong>\u00a0with industry.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0core aim<\/strong>\u00a0will be to support every sector in building its business model for the decarbonisation of industry.<\/p>\n

Because we believe that this transition is essential for our future competitiveness in Europe.<\/p>\n

But\u00a0<\/strong>this is just as much about the\u00a0people and their jobs of today.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our\u00a0wind industry<\/strong>, for instance, is a European success story.<\/p>\n

But it is currently\u00a0facing a unique mix of challenges.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is why we will put forward a\u00a0European Wind Power package<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 working closely with industry and Member States.<\/p>\n

We will fast-track permitting even more.<\/p>\n

We will improve the auction systems across the EU.<\/p>\n

We will focus on skills, access to finance and stable supply chains.<\/p>\n

But this is\u00a0broader<\/strong>\u00a0than one sector:<\/p>\n

From wind to steel, from batteries to electric vehicles, our ambition is crystal clear:\u00a0The future of our clean tech industry has to be made in Europe.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Honourable Members,\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

This shows that when it comes to the European Green Deal:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

We stay the course.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

We stay ambitious.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

We stick to our growth strategy.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

And we will always strive for a fair and just transition!<\/strong><\/p>\n

That means a fair outcome for future generations \u2013 to live on healthy planet.<\/p>\n

And a fair journey for all those impacted \u2013 with\u00a0decent jobs and a solemn promise to leave no one behind.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Just think about\u00a0manufacturing jobs and competitiveness:\u00a0<\/strong>a topic we are discussing a lot these days.<\/p>\n

Our industry and tech companies\u00a0like<\/strong>\u00a0competition.<\/p>\n

They\u00a0know<\/strong>\u00a0that global competition is\u00a0good<\/strong>\u00a0for business.<\/p>\n

And that it\u00a0creates<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0protects<\/strong>\u00a0good jobs here in Europe.<\/p>\n

But competition is\u00a0only true<\/strong>\u00a0as long as it is\u00a0fair<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Too often, our companies are excluded from foreign markets or are victims of predatory practices.<\/p>\n

They are often\u00a0undercut by competitors<\/strong>\u00a0benefitting from huge state subsidies.<\/p>\n

We\u00a0have not forgotten<\/strong>\u00a0how China’s\u00a0unfair trade practices<\/strong>\u00a0affected our\u00a0solar industry<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Many young businesses were pushed out by heavily subsidised Chinese competitors.<\/p>\n

Pioneering companies had to file for bankruptcy.<\/p>\n

Promising talents went searching for fortune abroad.<\/p>\n

This is why\u00a0fairness<\/strong>\u00a0in the global economy is so important \u2013 because it affects lives and livelihoods.<\/p>\n

Entire industries and communities depend on it.<\/p>\n

So, we have be to be clear-eyed about the risks we face.<\/p>\n

Take the electric vehicles sector.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is a crucial industry for the clean economy, with a huge potential for Europe.<\/p>\n

But global markets are now\u00a0flooded<\/strong>\u00a0with cheaper Chinese electric cars.<\/p>\n

And their price is kept\u00a0artificially<\/strong>\u00a0low by huge state subsidies.<\/p>\n

This is distorting our market.<\/strong><\/p>\n

And as we do not accept this from the inside, we do not accept this from the outside.<\/strong><\/p>\n

So I can announce today that the Commission is launching an\u00a0anti-subsidy investigation into electric vehicles coming from China.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Europe is open for competition. Not for a race to the bottom.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We must defend ourselves against unfair practices.<\/p>\n

But equally, it is vital to keep\u00a0open lines of communication and dialogue with China.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Because there\u00a0also are<\/strong>\u00a0topics, where we can and have to cooperate.<\/p>\n

De-risk, not decouple<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 this will be\u00a0my approach with the Chinese leadership at the EU-China Summit later this year.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

In the European Union, we are proud of our\u00a0cultural diversity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

We are a \u2018Europe of the Regions’ with a unique blend of languages, music, art, traditions, crafts and cuisines.<\/p>\n

We are also a\u00a0continent of unique biological diversity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Some 6\u00a0500 species are found\u00a0only<\/strong>\u00a0in Europe.<\/p>\n

In northern Europe, we find the\u00a0Wadden Sea, a world natural heritage site<\/strong>\u00a0and unique habitat offering a home to rare species of flora and fauna and a vital resource for millions of migratory birds. And with the\u00a0Baltic Sea<\/strong>\u00a0we have the largest area of brackish sea in the world<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

South of that is the\u00a0European Plain<\/strong>, characterised by\u00a0vast tracts of moorland and wetland<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

These regions are\u00a0important allies against ongoing climate change<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Protected moors and wetlands absorb enormous volumes of\u00a0greenhouse gases<\/strong>, secure\u00a0regional water cycles<\/strong>\u00a0and are home to unique biodiversity.<\/p>\n

And Europe is a\u00a0continent of forests<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

From the\u00a0mighty coniferous forests of the North and East<\/strong>, via the\u00a0last remnants of virgin oak and beech forest<\/strong>\u00a0in central Europe to the\u00a0cork oak forests of southern Europe<\/strong>: all these forests are an irreplaceable source of goods and services.<\/p>\n

They absorb carbon dioxide, supply wood and other products, generate fertile soils, and filter the air and the water.<\/p>\n

Biodiversity and ecosystem services are\u00a0vital<\/strong>\u00a0for all of us in Europe.<\/p>\n

Loss of nature\u00a0destroys not only the foundations of our life<\/strong>, but also our\u00a0feeling of what constitutes home<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

We must protect it.<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the same time,\u00a0food security, in harmony with nature, remains an essential task<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to our farmers<\/strong>, to thank them for providing us with food day after day.<\/p>\n

For us in Europe, this task of agriculture \u2013 producing healthy food \u2013 is the foundation of our agricultural policy.<\/p>\n

And self-sufficiency in food is also important for us.<\/p>\n

That is what our farmers provide.<\/p>\n

It is not always an easy task, as the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, climate change bringing droughts, forest fires and flooding, and new obligations are all having a growing impact on farmers’ work and incomes.<\/p>\n

We must bear that in mind.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many are already working towards a more sustainable form of agriculture.<\/p>\n

We must work together with the men and women in farming to tackle these new challenges.<\/p>\n

That is the only way to secure the supply of food for the future.<\/p>\n

We need more dialogue and less polarisation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

That is why we want to\u00a0launch a strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture in the EU<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

I am and remain convinced that\u00a0agriculture and protection of the natural world can go hand in hand<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

We need both<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ECONOMY, SOCIAL AND COMPETITIVENESS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

A fair transition for farmers, families and industry.<\/p>\n

This is the hallmark of this Mandate.<\/p>\n

And it is all the more important as we face strong economic headwinds.<\/p>\n

I see three major economic challenges for our industry in the year ahead: labour and skills shortages, inflation, and making business easier for our companies.<\/p>\n

The first has to do with our labour market.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

We have\u00a0not<\/strong>\u00a0forgotten the early days of the global pandemic.<\/p>\n

When everyone predicted a\u00a0new wave of 1930-style mass unemployment.<\/strong><\/p>\n

But we defied this prediction.<\/p>\n

With SURE \u2013 the first-ever European short-time work initiative \u2013 we saved 40 million jobs.<\/p>\n

This is Europe’s social market economy in action.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

And we can be proud of it!<\/strong><\/p>\n

We then immediately restarted our economic engine thanks to NextGenerationEU.<\/p>\n

And today we see the results.<\/p>\n

Europe is close to full employment.<\/p>\n

Instead of millions of people looking for jobs, millions of jobs are looking for people.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Labour and skills shortages are reaching record levels \u2013 both here and across all major economies.<\/p>\n

74% of SMEs<\/strong>\u00a0are saying they are facing skill shortages.<\/p>\n

In the peak of the tourist season, restaurants and bars in Europe are running reduced hours because they cannot find staff.<\/p>\n

Hospitals are postponing treatment because of lack of nurses.<\/p>\n

And two thirds of European companies are looking for IT specialists.<\/p>\n

At the same time\u00a0millions of parents<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 mostly mothers \u2013 are struggling to reconcile work and family,\u00a0because there is no childcare.<\/strong><\/p>\n

And 8 million young people are neither in employment, education or training.<\/p>\n

Their dreams put on hold, their lives on stand-by.<\/p>\n

This is not only the cause of so much personal distress.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is also one of the most significant bottlenecks for our competitiveness.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Because labour shortages hamper the capacity for innovation, growth and prosperity.<\/p>\n

So we need to improve access to the labour market.<\/p>\n

Most importantly for\u00a0young people, for women<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

And we need\u00a0qualified migration<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In addition, we need to respond to the\u00a0deep-rooted shifts in technology, society and demography.<\/strong><\/p>\n

And for that, we should rely on the expertise of\u00a0businesses and trade unions<\/strong>,\u00a0our collective bargaining partners.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is almost forty years since Jacques Delors convened the Val Duchesse meeting that saw the birth of European social dialogue.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since then, social partners have shaped the Union of today \u2013 ensuring progress and prosperity for millions.<\/p>\n

And as the world around us changes faster than ever, social partners must again be at the heart of our future.<\/p>\n

Together we must focus on the challenges facing the labour market \u2013 from skills and labour shortages, to new challenges stemming from AI.<\/p>\n

This is why together with\u00a0the Belgian Presidency<\/strong>\u00a0next year, we will convene a\u00a0new Social Partner Summit once again at Val Duchesse.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The future of Europe will be built\u00a0with and by our social partners.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The second major economic challenge: persistent high inflation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Christine Lagarde and the European Central Bank are working hard to keep inflation under control.<\/p>\n

We know that returning to the ECB’s medium-term target will take some time.<\/p>\n

The good news is that Europe has started bringing energy prices down.<\/p>\n

We have not forgotten,\u00a0Putin’s deliberate use<\/strong>\u00a0of gas as a weapon<\/strong>and how it triggered fears of blackout and an energy crisis like in the 70s.<\/p>\n

Many thought, we would not have enough energy to get through the winter.<\/p>\n

But we made it.<\/p>\n

Because we stayed united \u2013 pooling our demand and buying energy together.<\/p>\n

And at the same time, different to the 70s, we used the crisis to massively invest in renewables and fast-track the clean transition.<\/p>\n

We used Europe’s critical mass to bring prices down and secure our supply.<\/p>\n

The price for gas in Europe was over 300 euros per MWh one year ago. It is now around 35.<\/p>\n

So we need to look at how we can\u00a0replicate this model<\/strong>\u00a0of success<\/strong>\u00a0in other fields like\u00a0critical raw materials or clean hydrogen.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The third challenge for European companies is about making it easier to do business.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Small companies do not have the capacity to cope with complex administration.<\/p>\n

Or they are held back by lengthy processes.<\/p>\n

This often means they do less with the time they have \u2013 and that they miss out on opportunities to grow.<\/p>\n

This is why \u2013 before the end of the year \u2013 we will appoint an\u00a0EU SME envoy<\/strong>\u00a0reporting directly to me.<\/p>\n

We want to hear directly\u00a0from small and medium sized businesses,<\/strong>about their everyday challenges.<\/p>\n

For every new piece of legislation we conduct a\u00a0competitiveness check<\/strong>\u00a0by an\u00a0independent board<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

And next month, we will make the first\u00a0legislative proposals<\/strong>\u00a0towards reducing reporting obligations<\/strong>\u00a0at the European level by 25%.<\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

Let’s be frank \u2013 this will not be easy.<\/p>\n

And we will need your support.<\/p>\n

Because this is a\u00a0common endeavour for all European institutions.<\/strong><\/p>\n

So we also have to work with Member States, to match the 25% at\u00a0national<\/strong>\u00a0level.<\/p>\n

It is time to make business easier in Europe!<\/strong><\/p>\n

But European companies also need\u00a0access to key technologies\u00a0<\/strong>to innovate, develop and manufacture.<\/p>\n

This is a question of\u00a0European sovereignty<\/strong>\u00a0as the Leaders underlined in Versailles.<\/p>\n

It is an\u00a0economic and national security imperative<\/strong>\u00a0to preserve a European edge on critical and emerging technologies.<\/p>\n

This European industrial policy also requires\u00a0common European funding.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is why \u2013 as part of our proposal for a review of our budget \u2013 we proposed the STEP platform.<\/p>\n

With STEP we can\u00a0boost, leverage and steer<\/strong>\u00a0EU funds to invest in everything from\u00a0microelectronics to quantum computing and AI.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

From biotech to clean tech.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our companies need this support now \u2013 so\u00a0I urge for a quick agreement on our budget proposal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

And I know I can count on this House.<\/p>\n

And there is\u00a0more<\/strong>\u00a0when it comes to\u00a0competitiveness<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

We have seen real bottlenecks along\u00a0global supply chains<\/strong>, including because of the\u00a0deliberate policies of other countries.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Just think about\u00a0China’s export restrictions<\/strong>\u00a0on\u00a0gallium<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0germanium<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 which are essential for goods like\u00a0semiconductors<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0solar panels<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This shows why it is so important for Europe\u00a0to step up on economic security<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

By de-risking and not decoupling.<\/strong><\/p>\n

And I am\u00a0very proud<\/strong>\u00a0that this concept has found\u00a0broad support from key partners.<\/strong><\/p>\n

From\u00a0Australia to Japan and the United States<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

And many other countries around the world\u00a0want to work together.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many are overly dependent<\/strong>\u00a0on a\u00a0single supplier<\/strong>\u00a0for critical minerals.<\/p>\n

Others \u2013 from Latin America to Africa \u2013 want to\u00a0develop local industries for processing and refining<\/strong>, instead of\u00a0just shipping<\/strong>\u00a0their resources abroad.<\/p>\n

This is why later this year we will convene the\u00a0first meeting of our new Critical Raw Materials Club<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

At the same time, we will\u00a0continue to drive open and fair trade.<\/strong><\/p>\n

So far, we have concluded new free trade agreements with\u00a0Chile, New Zealand and Kenya<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

We should aim to complete deals with\u00a0Australia, Mexico and Mercosur by the end of this year.<\/strong><\/p>\n

And soon thereafter with India and Indonesia.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Smart trade delivers good jobs and prosperity.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

These three challenges \u2013 labour, inflation and business environment \u2013 come at a time when we are also asking industry to lead on the clean transition.<\/p>\n

So we need to look further ahead and set out\u00a0how<\/strong>\u00a0we remain competitive as we do that.<\/p>\n

This is why I have asked Mario Draghi \u2013 one of Europe’s great economic minds \u2013 to prepare a\u00a0report on the future of European competitiveness<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Because Europe will do \u201cwhatever it takes\u201d to keep its competitive edge.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

DIGITAL & AI<\/strong><\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

When it comes to making business and life easier, we have seen how important digital technology is.<\/p>\n

It is telling that we have far\u00a0overshot the 20<\/strong>%\u00a0investment target<\/strong>\u00a0in digital projects of\u00a0NextGenerationEU.<\/p>\n

Member States have used that investment to digitise their healthcare, justice system or transport network.<\/p>\n

At the same time, Europe has led on\u00a0managing the risks of the digital world.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The internet was born as an instrument for\u00a0sharing knowledge, opening minds and connecting people<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

But it has also given\u00a0rise to serious challenges<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Disinformation, spread of harmful content, risks to the privacy of our data<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

All of this led to a\u00a0lack of trust<\/strong>\u00a0and a\u00a0breach of fundamental rights of people.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

In response, Europe has become the\u00a0global pioneer of citizen’s rights<\/strong>in the digital world.<\/p>\n

The DSA and DMA\u00a0are\u00a0creating\u00a0a\u00a0safer digital space\u00a0<\/strong>where fundamental\u00a0rights are protected.<\/p>\n

And they are ensuring fairness\u00a0with clear\u00a0responsibilities\u00a0for big tech<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This is a historic achievement \u2013 and we should be proud of it.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The same should be true for\u00a0artificial intelligence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It will\u00a0improve healthcare, boost productivity, address climate change<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

But we also should\u00a0not underestimate<\/strong>\u00a0the very real threats.<\/p>\n

Hundreds of leading AI developers, academics and experts<\/strong>\u00a0warned us recently with the following words:<\/p>\n

\u201cMitigating the\u00a0risk of extinction<\/strong>\u00a0from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war.\u201d<\/p>\n

AI is a general technology that is\u00a0accessible, powerful and adaptable<\/strong>for a vast range of uses – both civilian\u00a0and<\/strong>\u00a0military.<\/p>\n

And it is moving faster than even its developers anticipated.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

So we have a\u00a0narrowing window of opportunity to guide this technology responsibly.<\/p>\n

I believe Europe, together with partners, should\u00a0lead the way on a\u00a0new global framework<\/strong>\u00a0for AI,\u00a0built on three pillars:\u00a0guardrails, governance and guiding innovation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Firstly,\u00a0guardrails<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Our\u00a0number one priority<\/strong>\u00a0is to ensure\u00a0AI develops in a human-centric, transparent and responsible way.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is why in my Political Guidelines, I committed to setting out a\u00a0legislative approach in the first 100 days.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We put forward the\u00a0AI Act<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 the world’s\u00a0first<\/strong>\u00a0comprehensive pro-innovation AI law<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

And I want to thank this House and the Council for the tireless work on this groundbreaking law.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our AI Act is already a\u00a0blueprint for the whole world<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

We must now focus on adopting the rules as soon as possible and turn to implementation.<\/p>\n

The second pillar is\u00a0governance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

We are now laying the foundations for a single governance system in Europe.<\/p>\n

But we should also join forces with our partners to ensure a\u00a0global approach<\/strong>\u00a0to understanding the impact of AI in our societies.<\/p>\n

Think about the invaluable contribution of the IPCC for climate, a global panel that provides the latest science to policymakers.<\/p>\n

I believe we need a similar body for AI\u00a0\u2013 on the risks and its benefits for humanity.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

With scientists, tech companies and independent experts all around the table.<\/p>\n

This will allow us to develop a fast and\u00a0globally\u00a0coordinated\u00a0response \u2013 building on the\u00a0work done by the Hiroshima Process and others.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The third pillar is\u00a0guiding innovation<\/strong>\u00a0in a responsible way.<\/p>\n

Thanks to our investment in the last years, Europe has now become a\u00a0leader in supercomputing\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 with 3 of the 5 most powerful supercomputers in the world.<\/p>\n

We need to capitalise on this.<\/p>\n

This is why I can announce today\u00a0a new initiative to open up our high-performance computers to AI start-ups<\/strong>\u00a0to train their models.<\/p>\n

But this will only be\u00a0part<\/strong>\u00a0of our work to\u00a0guide innovation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

We need an\u00a0open dialogue<\/strong>\u00a0with those that\u00a0develop and deploy AI.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

It happens in the United States, where seven major tech companies have already agreed to\u00a0voluntary rules around safety, security and trust.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

It happens here, where we will work with AI companies, so that they voluntarily commit to the principles of the\u00a0AI Act<\/strong>\u00a0before<\/strong>\u00a0it comes into force.<\/p>\n

Now we should bring all of this work together towards\u00a0minimum global standards\u00a0for safe and ethical use of AI.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GLOBAL, MIGRATION AND SECURITY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

When I stood here four years ago, I said that if we are united on the inside, nobody will divide us from the outside.<\/p>\n

And this was the thinking behind the Geopolitical Commission.<\/p>\n

Our\u00a0Team Europe approach<\/strong>\u00a0has enabled us to be more strategic, more assertive and more united.<\/p>\n

And that is more important than ever.<\/p>\n

Our heart bleeds when we see the devastating loss of life in\u00a0Libya and Morocco\u00a0<\/strong>after the violent floods and earthquake.<\/p>\n

Europe will always stand ready to support in any way we can.<\/p>\n

Or think about the Sahel region, one of the poorest yet fastest growing demographically.<\/p>\n

The succession of military coups will make the region more unstable for years ahead.<\/p>\n

Russia is both influencing and benefiting from the chaos.<\/p>\n

And the region has become fertile ground for the rise in terrorism.<\/p>\n

This is of direct concern for Europe \u2013 for our security and prosperity.<\/p>\n

So we need to show the same\u00a0unity of purpose<\/strong>\u00a0towards Africa as we have shown for Ukraine.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

We need to focus on\u00a0cooperation with legitimate governments and regional organisations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

And we need to develop a mutually beneficial partnership which focuses on common issues for Europe and Africa.<\/p>\n

This is why, together with High Representative Borrell, we will work on a\u00a0new strategic approach to take forward at the next EU-AU Summit.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

History is on the move.<\/p>\n

Russia is waging a full-scale war against the founding principles of the UN Charter.<\/p>\n

This has raised immense concerns in countries from Central Asia to the Indo-Pacific.<\/p>\n

They are worried that in a lawless world, they might face the same fate as Ukraine.<\/p>\n

We see a clear attempt by some to return to bloc thinking \u2013 trying to isolate and influence countries in between.<\/p>\n

And it comes at a time when there is a deeper unease by many emerging economies about the way institutions and globalisation work for them.<\/p>\n

Those concerns are legitimate.<\/p>\n

These emerging economies \u2013 with their people and natural assets \u2013 are essential allies in building a cleaner, safer and more prosperous world.<\/p>\n

Europe will always work with them to reform and improve the international system.<\/p>\n

We want to lead efforts to make the rules-based order fairer and make distribution more equal.<\/p>\n

This will also mean working with new and old partners to deepen our connections.<\/p>\n

And Europe’s offer with\u00a0Global Gateway<\/strong>\u00a0is truly unique.<\/p>\n

Global Gateway is more transparent, more sustainable, and more economically attractive.<\/p>\n

Just last week I was in New Delhi to sign the most ambitious project of our generation.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It will be the most direct connection to date between India, the Arabian Gulf and Europe: With a rail link, that will make trade between India and Europe 40% faster.<\/p>\n

With an electricity cable and a clean hydrogen pipeline \u2013 to foster clean energy trade between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.<\/p>\n

With a high-speed data cable, to link some of the most innovative digital ecosystems in the world, and create business opportunities all along the way.<\/p>\n

These are state-of-the-art connections for the world of tomorrow.<\/p>\n

Faster, shorter, cleaner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And Global Gateway is making the real difference.<\/strong><\/p>\n

I have seen it in Latin America, South-East Asia and across Africa \u2013 from building a local hydrogen economy with Namibia and Kenya to a digital economy with the Philippines.<\/p>\n

These are investments in our partners’ economy.<\/p>\n

And they are investments in Europe’s prosperity and security in a fast-changing world.<\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

Every day, we see that conflict, climate change and instability are pushing people to seek refuge elsewhere.<\/p>\n

I have always had a steadfast conviction that migration needs to be managed.<\/p>\n

It needs endurance and patient work with key partners.<\/p>\n

And it needs unity within our Union.<\/p>\n

This is the spirit of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum.<\/p>\n

When we took office, there seemed to be no possible compromise in sight.<\/p>\n

But with the Pact, we are striking a new balance.<\/p>\n

Between protecting borders and protecting people.<\/p>\n

Between sovereignty and solidarity.<\/p>\n

Between security and humanity.<\/p>\n

We listened to all Member States and focused on all routes.<\/p>\n

And we have translated the spirit of the Pact into practical solutions.<\/p>\n

We were fast and united in responding to the hybrid attack that Belarus launched against us.<\/p>\n

We worked closely with our Western Balkan partners and reduced irregular flows.<\/p>\n

We have signed a partnership with Tunisia that brings mutual benefits beyond migration \u2013 from energy and education, to skills and security.<\/p>\n

And we now want to work on similar agreements with other countries.<\/p>\n

We stepped up border protection.<\/p>\n

European Agencies deepened their cooperation with Member States.<\/p>\n

Allow me to thank in particular Bulgaria and Romania for leading the way \u2013 showcasing best practices on both asylum and returns.<\/p>\n

They have proved it: Bulgaria and Romania are part of our Schengen area.<\/strong><\/p>\n

So let us finally bring them in \u2013 without any further delay.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ladies and Gentlemen,<\/p>\n

Our work on migration is based on the conviction that unity is within our reach.<\/p>\n

An agreement on the pact has never been so close.<\/p>\n

Parliament and the Council have a historic opportunity to get it over the line.<\/p>\n

Let us show that Europe can manage migration effectively and with compassion.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let’s get this done!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Honourable members,<\/p>\n

We know that migration requires constant work.<\/p>\n

And nowhere is that more vital than in the fight against human smugglers.<\/p>\n

They attract desperate people with their lies.<\/p>\n

And put them on deadly routes across the desert, or on boats that are unfit for the sea.<\/p>\n

The way these smugglers operate is continuously evolving.<\/p>\n

But our legislation is over twenty years old and needs an urgent update.<\/p>\n

So we need new legislation and a new governance structure.<\/p>\n

We need stronger law enforcement, prosecution and a more prominent role for our agencies \u2013 Europol, Eurojust and Frontex.<\/p>\n

And we need to work with our partners to tackle this global plague of human trafficking.<\/p>\n

This is why the Commission will organise an\u00a0International Conference on fighting people smuggling<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It is time to put an end to this callous and criminal business!<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UKRAINE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

On the day when Russian tanks crossed the border into Ukraine, a young Ukrainian mother set off for Prague to bring her child to safety.<\/p>\n

When the Czech border official stamped her passport, she started crying.<\/p>\n

Her son didn’t understand. And he asked his mother why she was crying.<\/p>\n

She answered: \u201cBecause we are home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut this is not Ukraine,\u201d he argued.<\/p>\n

So she explained: \u201cThis is Europe.\u201d<\/p>\n

On that day, that Ukrainian mother, felt that Europe was her home.<\/p>\n

Because \u201chome is where we trust each other\u201d.<\/p>\n

And the people of Ukraine could trust their fellow Europeans.<\/p>\n

Her name was Victoria Amelina.<\/p>\n

She was one of the great young writers of her generation and a tireless activist for justice.<\/p>\n

Once her son was safe, Victoria returned to Ukraine to document Russia’s war crimes.<\/p>\n

One year later she was killed by a Russian ballistic missile, while having dinner with colleagues.<\/p>\n

The victim of a Russian war crime, one of countless attacks against innocent civilians.<\/p>\n

Amelina was with three friends that day \u2013 including H\u00e9ctor Abad Faciolince, a fellow writer from Colombia.<\/p>\n

He is part of a campaign called \u201cAguanta, Ucrania\u201d \u2013 \u201cResist, Ukraine\u201d, created to tell Latin Americans of Russia’s war of aggression and attacks on civilians.<\/p>\n

But H\u00e9ctor could never imagine becoming the target himself.<\/p>\n

Afterwards, he said he didn’t know why he lived and she died.<\/p>\n

But now he is telling the world about Victoria. To save her memory and to end this war.<\/p>\n

And I am honoured that H\u00e9ctor is here with us today.<\/p>\n

And I want you to know that we will keep the memory of Victoria \u2013 and all other victims \u2013 alive.<\/p>\n

Aguanta, Ucrania. Slava Ukraini!<\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

We will be at Ukraine’s side every step of the way.<\/p>\n

For as long as it takes.<\/p>\n

Since the start of the war, four million Ukrainians have found refuge in our Union.<\/p>\n

And I want to say to them that they are as welcome now as they were in those fateful first weeks.<\/p>\n

We have ensured that they have access to housing, healthcare, the job market and much more.<\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

this was Europe answering the call of history.<\/p>\n

And so I am proud to announce that the Commission will propose to extend our temporary protection to Ukrainians in the EU.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our support to Ukraine will endure.<\/p>\n

We have provided 12 billion euros this year alone to help pay wages and pensions.<\/p>\n

To help keep hospitals, schools and other services running.<\/p>\n

And through our ASAP proposal we are ramping up ammunition production to help match Ukraine’s immediate needs.<\/p>\n

But we are also looking further ahead.<\/p>\n

This is why we have proposed an additional 50 billion euros over four years for investment and reforms.<\/p>\n

This will help build Ukraine’s future to rebuild a modern and prosperous country.<\/p>\n

And that future is clear to see.<\/p>\n

This House has said it out loud: The future of Ukraine is in our Union.<\/p>\n

The future of the Western Balkans is in our Union.<\/p>\n

The future of Moldova is in our Union.<\/p>\n

And I know just how important the EU perspective is for so many people in Georgia.<\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

I started by speaking of Europe responding to the\u00a0call of history.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

And history is now calling us to work on completing our Union.<\/p>\n

In a world where some are trying to pick off countries one by one, we cannot afford to leave our fellow Europeans behind.<\/p>\n

In a world where size and weight matters, it is clearly in Europe’s strategic and security interests to complete our Union.<\/p>\n

But beyond the politics and geopolitics of it, we need to picture what is at stake.<\/p>\n

We need to set out a vision for a successful enlargement.<\/p>\n

A Union complete with over 500 million people living in a free, democratic and prosperous Union.<\/p>\n

A Union complete with young people who can live, study and work in freedom.<\/p>\n

A Union complete with vibrant democracies in which judiciaries are independent, oppositions are respected, and journalists are protected.<\/p>\n

Because the rule of law and fundamental rights will always be the foundation of our Union \u2013 in current and in future Member States.<\/p>\n

This is why the Commission has made the Rule of Law Reports a key priority.<\/p>\n

We now work closely with Member States to identify progress and concerns \u2013 and make recommendations for the year ahead.<\/p>\n

This has ensured accountability in front of this House and national parliaments.<\/p>\n

It has allowed for dialogue between Member States.<\/p>\n

And it is delivering results.<\/p>\n

I believe that it can do the same for future Member States.<\/p>\n

This is why I am very happy to announce that we will open the Rule of Law Reports to those accession countries who get up to speed even faster.<\/p>\n

This will place them on an equal footing with Member States.<\/p>\n

And support them in their reform efforts.<\/p>\n

And it will help ensure that our future is a Union of freedom, rights and values for all.<\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

This is in our shared interest.<\/p>\n

Think about the great enlargement of 20 years ago.<\/p>\n

We called it the European Day of Welcomes.<\/p>\n

And it was a triumph of determination and hope over the burdens of the past.<\/p>\n

And in the 20 years since we have seen an economic success story which has improved the lives of millions.<\/p>\n

I want us to look forward to the next European Day of Welcomes and the next economic success stories.<\/p>\n

We know this is\u00a0not<\/strong>\u00a0an easy road.<\/p>\n

Accession is merit-based \u2013 and the Commission will always defend this principle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It takes\u00a0hard work and leadership<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

But there is already a lot of progress.<\/p>\n

We have seen the great strides Ukraine has already made since we granted them candidate status.<\/p>\n

And we have seen the determination of other candidate countries to reform.<\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

it is now time for us to match that determination.<\/p>\n

And that means thinking about how we get ready for a completed Union.<\/p>\n

We need to move past old, binary debates about enlargement.<\/p>\n

This is not a question of deepening integration\u00a0or<\/strong>\u00a0widening the Union.<\/p>\n

We can and we must do both.<\/p>\n

To give us the geopolitical weight and the capacity to act.<\/p>\n

This is what our Union has always done.<\/p>\n

Each wave of enlargement came with a political deepening.<\/p>\n

We went from coal and steel towards full economic integration.<\/p>\n

And after the fall of the Iron Curtain, we turned an economic project into a true Union of people and states.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0believe that the next enlargement must also be a catalyst for progress<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

We have started to build a Health Union at 27.<\/p>\n

And I believe we can finish it at 30+.<\/p>\n

We have started to build European Defence Union at 27.<\/p>\n

And I believe we can finish it at 30+.<\/p>\n

We have proven that we can be a Geopolitical Union\u00a0and<\/strong>\u00a0showed we can move fast when we are united.<\/p>\n

And I believe that Team Europe also works at 30+.<\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

I know this House believes the same.<\/p>\n

And the European Parliament has always been one of the main drivers of European integration.<\/p>\n

It has been so throughout the decades.<\/p>\n

And it is once again today.<\/p>\n

And I will always support this House \u2013 and all of those who want to reform the EU to make it work better for citizens.<\/p>\n

And, yes, that means including through a European Convention and Treaty change if and where it is needed!<\/strong><\/p>\n

But we cannot \u2013\u00a0and we should not \u2013 wait for Treaty change<\/strong>\u00a0to move ahead with enlargement.<\/p>\n

A Union fit for enlargement can be achieved faster.<\/strong><\/p>\n

That means answering practical questions about how a Union of over 30 countries will work in practice.<\/p>\n

And in particular about our capacity to act.<\/p>\n

The good news is that with every enlargement those who said it would make us less efficient were proven wrong.<\/p>\n

Take the last few years.<\/p>\n

We agreed on NextGenerationEU at 27.<\/p>\n

We agreed to buy vaccines at 27.<\/p>\n

We agreed on sanctions in record time \u2013 also at 27.<\/p>\n

We agreed to purchase natural gas \u2013 not only at 27 but including Ukraine, Moldova and Serbia.<\/p>\n

So it can be done.<\/p>\n

But we need to look closer at each policy and see how they would be affected by a larger Union.<\/p>\n

This is why the Commission will start working on a series of\u00a0pre-enlargement policy reviews<\/strong>\u00a0to see how each area may need to be adapted to a larger Union.<\/p>\n

We will need to think about how our institutions would work \u2013 how the Parliament and the Commission would look.<\/p>\n

We need to discuss the future of our budget \u2013 in terms of\u00a0what<\/strong>\u00a0it finances,\u00a0how<\/strong>\u00a0it finances it, and how it is\u00a0financed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

And we need to understand how to ensure\u00a0credible security commitments<\/strong>\u00a0in a world where deterrence matters more than ever.<\/p>\n

These are questions we must address\u00a0today<\/strong>\u00a0if we want to be ready for tomorrow.<\/p>\n

And the Commission will play its part.<\/p>\n

This is why we will\u00a0put forward our ideas to the Leaders’ discussion under the Belgian Presidency.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

We will be driven by the belief that completing our Union is the best investment in peace, security and prosperity for our Continent.<\/p>\n

So it is time for Europe to once again think big and write our own destiny!<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CONCLUSION<\/strong><\/p>\n

Honourable Members,<\/p>\n

Victoria Amelina believed that it is our collective duty to\u00a0write a new story for Europe.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is where Europe stands today.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

At a time and place where history is written.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The future of our continent depends on the choices we make today.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

On the steps we take to complete our Union.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The people of Europe want a Union that stands up for them in a time of great power competition.<\/p>\n

But also one that protects and stands close to them, as a partner and ally in their daily battles.<\/p>\n

And we will listen to their voice.<\/p>\n

If it matters to Europeans, it matters to Europe.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Think again about the vision and imagination of the young generation I started my speech with.<\/p>\n

It is the moment to show them that we can build a continent where you can be who you are, love who you want, and aim as high as you want.<\/p>\n

A continent\u00a0reconciled with nature<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0leading the way on new technologies.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A continent that is\u00a0united in freedom and peace.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once again \u2013 this is Europe’s moment to answer the call of history.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Long live Europe.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

ANSWERING THE CALL OF HISTORY INTRODUCTION \u2013 DELIVER TODAY, PREPARE FOR TOMORROW Honourable Members, In just under 300 days, Europeans will take to the polls 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