Paper 7
Spring message to the new European Executive
“For a more ambitious and assertive Europe!”
The European Union (EU), which has brought about lasting peace, economic prosperity and respect for human dignity, must now secure stronger support from its Member States and its citizens, through adapted arrangements if necessary.
The EU must put in place the means needed to respond better to its citizens' expectations — purchasing power, security and the defence of the environment — while the fundamental values of citizens' rights and freedom must be maintained.
Europe has lost ground in the economic sector, with growth rates well below the global average. The EU's economic productivity reaches only 75% of that of the USA. The number of patent applications in the EU is lower than in the USA and China in the ICT (information/communication/technology) sector, and also lower than in the USA and Japan in biotechnology.
With an ambitious agenda and a strong EU brand image, it is urgent that the new European Executive keep its promises in the face of the major challenges of the internal unity of the EU-27 and of the need to defend its global trade interests against the USA and China.
The three EU Institutions must act more resolutely with a 2020 action plan based on clear objectives for the Conference on the Future of Europe. Strong leadership will be critical to achieving effective participation by citizens, and above all by young people, who are the most pro-European generation.
It is time to abandon zero-sum games of concessions on both sides. The lesson of the 20th century for Europe: we must move from nationalism to patriotism.
The EC, the Council and the European Parliament must communicate with one voice about their common priorities, concrete achievements and Europe's global leadership.
It is high time for the Commission to move from an outdated system of external political relations to an efficient management of foreign affairs that fully integrates security and defence, foreign trade and technology.
New growth opportunities such as the new European Green Deal, the digital strategy and AI, and the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme must be part of a 5-year business plan based on key performance indicators, given the involvement of public-private partnerships.
Innovative fair-competition rules must be decided quickly so that EU companies can better face competition at the global level.
The Erasmus+ programme is a great success. The European Commission must further develop both its funding and its fields of application, in particular training programmes, given the rapidly changing global environment.
Sources: EC, EP & EU Council documents, Politico, European Youth Forum, ERT
March 2020
