Something for everyone: Von der Leyen’s plans for her second term in office
Published: Thursday, Jul 18th 2024, 15:50
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What will Ursula von der Leyen do when she takes up a second term as President of the powerful EU Commission at the end of the year?
In the political guidelines she has presented, the German leader makes her plans for the next five years public. This is relevant because the European Commission is the only institution in the EU that can propose new EU laws. An overview by subject area:
Backtracking on the combustion engine phase-out and easier rail travel
The CDU politician promises to push for exemptions for so-called e-fuels. According to her political guidelines for the next five years, a technology-neutral approach in which synthetic fuels play a role is required in order to achieve the EU's climate targets.
She would like to achieve this through a targeted amendment to the relevant EU law. When asked, the leading politician did not want to answer questions about what specifically is to be changed. The EU has actually decided that from 2035, only new cars that do not emit any climate-damaging CO2 during operation should be registered.
At the urging of the liberal FDP, the German government had campaigned for exemptions to be made for e-fuels. E-fuels are synthetic fuels that can theoretically be used to operate combustion engines in a climate-neutral manner. However, they are relatively expensive and are urgently needed in aviation, for example. This is because it is more difficult to operate aircraft electrically on a large scale than cars.
In the fight against climate change, it should be made easier for consumers to switch to more sustainable options, particularly in the area of mobility. In order to facilitate cross-border train journeys in the EU, von der Leyen wants to propose a regulation on the standardized digital booking of tickets.
The aim is to ensure that consumers can buy a single ticket on a single platform and that passenger rights apply to the entire journey.
Affordable living
"Europe is experiencing a housing crisis that is affecting people of all ages and families of all sizes," says von der Leyen. Purchase prices and rents are soaring.
It will therefore develop a plan for affordable housing to investigate all the causes of the crisis and release the necessary investment. A dedicated commissioner will be appointed for this purpose.
Fewer addictions to important medications
Shortages of antibiotics, insulin, painkillers and other medical products have been causing concern in the EU for some time. To remedy the situation, von der Leyen wants to propose an EU law on critical medicines.
It is intended to reduce dependencies for critical medicinal products and ingredients - especially for products for which there are only a few manufacturing companies or countries.
Less bureaucracy, faster approvals
In order to facilitate entrepreneurial initiatives, von der Leyen promises a further reduction in bureaucracy. The motto should be: "Less administrative work and reporting, more trust, better enforcement, faster approvals." She has also announced that she will make proposals to simplify legislation if necessary.
Fight against illegal migration
Von der Leyen wants to significantly strengthen the European border protection agency Frontex and triple the number of EU border guards to 30,000 people. "More secure borders will also help us to manage migration in a more structured and fairer way," she says.
Further cooperation and support agreements with third countries should also ensure less illegal migration. The top politician also promises a tougher fight against organized crime and terrorism. To this end, the staff of the Europol police authority is to be doubled and a new strategy against drug smuggling is to be developed.
Defense against dangers from the air
Von der Leyen wants to propose the creation of a European air defense system and a European cyber defense. Poland and Greece have already recently campaigned for a joint air defense system.
Von der Leyen now says that a "European Air Shield" could not only protect airspace, but also be a strong symbol of European unity in the area of defense.
In order to strengthen defense and armaments policy at EU level, von der Leyen also wants to appoint a defense commissioner. He or she is to work closely with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, who is responsible for foreign and security policy in the EU. There are also plans to facilitate investment in armaments projects.
Protective shield for democracy
According to von der Leyen, the EU needs its own structures to combat the manipulation of information and the exertion of influence from abroad. She would therefore like to present a proposal for a "European shield for democracy".
The new structures would bundle all competencies and ensure liaison and coordination with the national authorities, she explains. The capacities for investigation, detection and action must be strengthened, as well as the ability to impose sanctions.
Deal for clean industry
In the first 100 days of the new legislative period, von der Leyen wants to present a strategy for clean industry in Europe. The so-called "Clean Industrial Deal" will channel investments into infrastructure and industry, particularly for energy-intensive sectors, according to reports.
"This will help create lead markets for everything from clean steel to clean technologies. It will speed up planning, tendering and approval," says von der Leyen. The strategy should also help to reduce energy costs. She also wants to propose measures to make it easier for investors to finance fast-growing companies.
Anchoring climate target by 2040 in law
In order to make the EU climate-neutral by 2050, a further interim target is to be enshrined in the Climate Act. It envisages reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90 percent by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. In addition, von der Leyen has announced a European climate adaptation plan to support member states in their preparedness and planning.
As the climate in Europe is warming faster than the global average, preparation for climate change must be improved. Among other things, the plan aims to identify risks and the need for precautionary measures in areas such as infrastructure, energy, water and food, as well as the need for data and early warning systems.
To lower energy prices, von der Leyen is planning proposals for the further expansion of renewable energies, for example. Investments in clean energy infrastructures and technologies are to be increased and prioritized. Following the example of joint European gas purchases, other raw materials are also to be purchased jointly.
Fair income for farmers
Von der Leyen also wants to present a vision for agriculture and food in her first 100 days in office. It will focus on how the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the agricultural sector can be ensured within the Earth's carrying capacity.
"I will work to ensure that farmers have a fair income," promised von der Leyen.
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