Head of the EU Commission - For everyone: Leyen's plans for a second term
What does Ursula von der Leyen do when she begins a second term as President of the powerful EU Commission at the end of the year? In the political guidelines she has proposed, the German top politician makes her plans for the next five years public. This is relevant because the European Commission in the EU is the only institution that can propose new EU laws. Here's an overview by topic areas:
Rollbacks on combustion engine bans and easier train travel
The CDU politician promises a push for exceptions for so-called E-Fuels. To meet EU climate goals, a technology-neutral approach is necessary, where synthetic fuels play a role, according to her political guidelines for the next five years. She intends to achieve this through a targeted change in the corresponding EU law. Exactly what will be changed, she declined to answer on inquiry. The EU has actually decided that only new cars that do not emit climate-harmful CO2 in operation will be allowed from 2035 onwards. The German government intervened on behalf of the FDP to allow exceptions for E-Fuels.
E-Fuels are synthetic fuels that, in theory, can be used to run combustion engines in a climate-neutral way. They are relatively expensive and are particularly needed in aviation. It is harder to operate aircraft in large numbers electrically than cars.
In the fight against climate change, consumers, particularly in the mobility sector, should be made to switch to more sustainable options more easily. To facilitate cross-border train journeys in the EU, von der Leyen intends to propose a regulation on the uniform digital booking of train tickets. This will ensure that consumers can buy a single train ticket on a single platform and that passenger rights apply for the entire journey.
Affordable housing
"Europe is in a housing crisis that affects people of all ages and families of all sizes," says von der Leyen. House prices and rents have soared. Therefore, she intends to develop a plan for affordable housing to investigate the causes of the crisis and release the necessary investments. A commissioner will be appointed for this purpose.
Less dependence on critical medicines
Shortages of antibiotics, insulin, painkillers, and other medical products have been causing concern in the EU for a long time. To address this, von der Leyen intends to propose an EU law on critical medicines. It should reduce dependencies on critical medicines and active ingredients - especially in products where there are only a few manufacturers or countries.
Less bureaucracy, faster approvals
To facilitate entrepreneurial initiatives, von der Leyen promises further bureaucracy reduction. The motto should be: "Less administrative burden and reporting, more trust, better enforcement, faster approvals." She also announces that, if necessary, she will make proposals to simplify regulatory requirements.
Fight against illegal migration
The fight against illegal migration remains a priority for von der Leyen. She intends to propose a regulation on the European Border and Coast Guard to strengthen the EU's external borders and improve cooperation between EU countries in the area of asylum and migration. She also wants to promote the development of innovative technologies to better protect the EU's external borders.
Von der Leyen will strengthen the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex significantly and increase the number of EU border guards to 30,000 people. "Secure borders will also help us to steer migration in a more structured and fair way", she says. In addition, further cooperation and support agreements with third countries for less illegal migration are planned. Furthermore, the Spitzenpolitician intends to fight organized crime and terrorism more rigorously. To this end, the personnel of the European Police Office Europol should be doubled and a new strategy against drug trafficking developed.
Air Defense Shield
Von der Leyen plans to propose the establishment of a European air defense system and a European cyber defense. For a common air defense, Poland and Greece have already advocated recently. Von der Leyen now says that a "European Air Shield" could not only protect the airspace but also be a strong symbol for the unity of Europe in the field of defense.
To strengthen defense and arms policy on the EU level, Von der Leyen also intends to appoint a Defense Commissioner. He should closely work with the EU Foreign Policy Chief, who is responsible for external and security policy in the EU. Furthermore, investments in defense projects are to be facilitated.
Shield for European Democracy
The EU needs, according to Von der Leyen, its own structures for combating manipulation of information and influence from abroad. Therefore, she wants to propose a "European Shield for European Democracy". The new structures would bundle all competencies and ensure the connection and coordination with national institutions, she explains. The clarification, discovery, and action capabilities must be strengthened, but also the possibilities to impose sanctions.
Clean Industrial Deal
In the first 100 days of the new legislative period, Von der Leyen plans to present a strategy for a clean industry in Europe. The so-called "Clean Industrial Deal" will channel investments in infrastructure and industry, especially for energy-intensive sectors, it is said. "This will contribute to the creation of leading markets for everything from clean steel to clean technologies. It will accelerate planning, procurement, and approval processes", says Von der Leyen. The strategy should also contribute to reducing energy costs. Furthermore, she intends to propose measures that make it easier for investors to finance rapidly growing companies.
Legally anchoring the climate target for 2040
To make the EU climate-neutral by 2050, another target in the Climate Act is to be legally anchored. It provides for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% by 2040 compared to 1990. Furthermore, Von der Leyen announces a European climate adaptation plan, which should support the member states in preparedness and planning. Since the climate is changing faster in Europe than the global average, the preparation for climate change must be improved. Among other things, risks and the need for precautions in areas such as infrastructure, energy, water, food, and the need for data and early warning systems should be determined in the plan.
For lower energy prices, Von der Leyen plans to propose suggestions for the further expansion of renewable energies. Investments in clean energy infrastructure and technologies should be increased and given priority. Following the example of common European gas purchases, other raw materials should also be bought jointly.
Farm Income for Farmers
In the first 100 days of her tenure, Commission President von der Leyen intends to present a vision for Agriculture and Food. The focus will be on how to ensure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the agricultural sector within the Earth's carrying capacity. "I will fight for farmers to have a fair income", promises von der Leyen.
Link to Livestream Agendas More Information
- Ursula von der Leyen will serve another term as President of the European Commission, starting at the end of the year in Strasbourg.
- The European Commission, under von der Leyen's term, is responsible for proposing new EU laws during the crisis.
- In her political guidelines, von der Leyen plans to allow exceptions for E-Fuels to meet EU climate goals, which is a topic of interest for the Federal government and the FDP.
- Consumers, particularly in the mobility sector, should easily switch to more sustainable options, according to von der Leyen's proposed regulation on digital train ticket booking.
- The European Union is currently in a housing crisis, and von der Leyen intends to investigate the causes and release investments for affordable housing.
- In the fight against illegal migration, von der Leyen plans to propose a regulation on the European Border and Coast Guard to strengthen external borders.
- For a common European air defense, von der Leyen intends to propose establishing a European Air Shield and appoint a Defense Commissioner to work with the EU Foreign Policy Chief.
- Regarding climate change, Von der Leyen plans to propose measures to expand renewable energies and lower energy prices with the aim of aiding farmers.
- To combat information manipulation and influence from abroad, von der Leyen intends to propose a "European Shield for European Democracy" to strengthen abilities to impose sanctions.
