This week, the von der Leyen 2024-2029 Commission marks its first 100 days in office. Despite the challenging geopolitical context, the Commission remains focused on enhancing European competitiveness, boosting European defence, and supporting a sovereign Ukraine.
President von der Leyen held a press conference reflecting on the Commissions initial months, emphasizing significant progress in building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Europe.
“From day one, we engaged in building new partnerships and strengthening old ones. We forged landmark agreements with Switzerland, Mexico, and Mercosur, reignited trade talks with Malaysia, and re-engaged with the Caricom countries. In India, where I visited last week with the College of Commissioners, we deepened cooperation on trade, technology, and innovation. I agreed with Prime Minister Modi to aim for a conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement this year,” said the President, stressing the importance of keeping Europe open.
The President highlighted efforts to make Europe more competitive, with eight related initiatives launched in just 100 days, including the Competitiveness Compass, the Clean Industrial Deal, Strategic Dialogues on the automotive industry and steel, the Union of Skills, and the Vision for Agriculture and Food.
The President also addressed the urgent issue of defence and security, noting that European values are threatened in a world of greater geopolitical competition. Therefore, Europe must be ready to defend itself.
The Commission has taken historic steps with the REARM Europe package, an €800 billion defence plan, unanimously supported by Leaders at their special European Council on March 6.
President von der Leyen stated: “Its important to state that economic strength and Europes plan to REARM are two sides of the same coin. Europes economic and innovative potential is an asset for its security. Conversely, Europes defence efforts can significantly boost a more competitive Single Market in the mid and long term.”
By investing in next-generation military equipment and security infrastructure, the EU can create a powerful tailwind for key industries such as digitisation, transport networks, AI applications, quantum computing, and secure communication. This will positively impact Europes competitiveness and economic growth.
The Commission is also committed to supporting SMEs across the Union, which are the backbone of the defence supply chain. The President announced that new omnibus packages will simplify rules and cut red tape, especially in the defence sector.
A Security College for extraordinary times
During the press conference, the President called for a shift to a preparedness mindset and announced the convening of the first-ever Security College. This new setup will ensure that College members stay updated on security developments, including external and internal security, energy, defence, cyber, and trade. By having a deep understanding of threats, including hybrid threats, the Commission will contribute to collective security.
The President concluded by stating: “This Commission is ready to tackle todays crises; we need speed, scale, and determination. We have a once-in-a-generation chance to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Europe. Lets seize this moment because it is Europes moment.”
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