On 18 July, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen addressed the European Parliament, outlining her vision for 2024-2029. Her speech emphasised “prosperity and competitiveness”, “security and defence”, and “social fairness and sustainability” as central themes.
Von der Leyen was re-elected as president, securing 401 out of 707 votes. This indicates a stronger mandate compared to her 2019 election. Support came mainly from the centre-right EPP, Liberals, Socialists, and some Greens.
Each EU Member State will now nominate a Commissioner. Parliamentary hearings will then begin in September, with the European Parliament voting on the new Commission in October. The formal appointment by the Council of the EU is expected in November.
Next week’s European Parliament plenary will address climate policy, migration, economic competitiveness, and social policies, setting the post-election legislative priorities. Here are some key takeaways for the technology sector from von der Leyen’s vision:
AI Leadership: AI Factories Initiative
Von der Leyen’s proposal aims to provide supercomputing capacity to AI start-ups and industries, enhancing AI development and deployment. This initiative offers opportunities for collaboration on AI innovation and access to cutting-edge solutions.
Competitiveness: European Prosperity Plan
The European Prosperity Plan seeks to deepen the Single Market, reduce administrative burdens, and introduce a new EU-wide legal status to help innovative companies grow. This will create a more streamlined business environment, reducing regulatory hurdles and supporting expansion and innovation.
Sustainability: Clean Industrial Deal
The Clean Industrial Deal focuses on decarbonising industries and creating lead markets for clean technologies. It channels investments into energy-intensive sectors, promoting sustainable practices and potentially accessing new funding for green technologies.
Security: European Air Shield
The proposal includes developing a European Air Shield to protect EU airspace and enhance collective security. This underscores the importance of cybersecurity and defence infrastructure, where the technology sector can leverage its expertise.
Next steps
Von der Leyen’s address outlines a strategic roadmap emphasising competitiveness, sustainability, and social fairness. These policies present opportunities for the technology sector to engage in AI and digital innovations, benefit from a more integrated market, and align with Europe’s sustainability and security objectives. The proposed measures aim to strengthen Europe’s global position and foster a resilient, inclusive, and innovative Union.
Access Partnership supports clients globally in understanding the implications of the new political environment and developing strategies to influence policy and regulatory outcomes. To navigate the latest developments in EU policy and ensure your interests are well-represented in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, please contact Mark Smitham at [email protected].
