Address regarding the status of the union before the general assembly meeting The European Parliament has become one of the mandatory appointments of the European Parliament. european corporate calendar. The moment to set your priorities new political course and evaluate the successes and challenges of the last twelve months. An exercise by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen facing unprecedented geopolitical and economic challenges this year: Russia’s war in Ukraine, the first of the 21st century, and the energy crisis aggravated by Russia’s blackmail. Vladimir Putin, Using fossil fuels as a political weapon. “This has been a year like no other. But we have shown once again that challenges strengthen our Union”, defended the Germans on the eve of the meeting in Strasbourg this week.
His first speech two years ago was overshadowed by a balance. covid-19 pandemic It left 180,000 dead in Europe in just the first six months. Second, in September of last year he boasted – despite initial heavy criticism – of the results achieved with his vaccine strategy, and allowed him to remain cautiously optimistic about the economic recovery as it passed. The budding energy crisis due to high electricity prices starting to suffocate countries like Spain. With the occupation of Ukraine, an element that will dominate its sovereignty third debate about the status of the union.
energy emergency
Until Russia invaded Ukraine and Moscow began to shut the country down. gas taprapid rise in fuel prices, Brussels hasn’t started to take seriously an energy crisis that has only worsened since then.. Using the union’s speech, von der Leyen will present the latest legislative proposals for intervention. european electricity market. an emergency package containing measures to reduce electricity consumption It (in addition to a mandatory 5% cut during peak hours, the flexibility of States to set working hours, and the overall 10% cut) caps the extraordinary profits of companies that use technologies cheaper than gas – such as renewables or nuclear. – generating electricity (just under €200, at €180/MWh as stated in previous drafts) and mandatory contribution from fossil fuel companies (oil, gas, coal and refinery companies) at least 33 percent of super profit as of fiscal year 2022. Plans to limit the price of gas from Russia through pipelines are currently not in consensus among 27 countries, and Brussels will leave that front blank for now. All this will add to the measures taken before summer to save gas and increase reserves.
Stability Pact Reform
The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has caused the European Commission to temporarily suspend the Stability and Growth Pact rules in March 2020 to give Governments spending space. These rules, which set the maximum threshold for the public deficit at 3% of GDP and 60% of debt, will hang until the end of 2023. An uncertain economic situation, but while discussions about its reactivation have already begun, it will be one of the economic tasks the Community Executive will have to deal with in the coming months. As confirmed by Vice-President Valdis Dombrovkis in Prague last weekend, Brussels He will submit a proposal before the end of October. Governments want rules on fiscal discipline to provide more realistic debt relief, be easier to implement, and take into account the need to invest in the green and digital transition.
rule of law and democracy
defense rule of law He became one of the cornerstones of the von der Leyen team. During his three years at the helm of the College of Stewards in Brussels, Poland Y Hungary Guided the Community Manager to open dozens infringement procedures Therefore. In the last annual report, both countries judicial reformsfight corruption, freedom and pluralism the media and counterweight system to guarantee independent institutions. A struggle that is still alive, especially government Victor Orban, recovery plan blocked after activation budget conditionality mechanism Because of problems with the rule of law. This contention will continue to create tensions with Von der Leyen’s team, who are negotiating the creation of an independent anti-corruption authority to control the use of security forces. european funds. In this area, Brussels plans to introduce a new law this week to protect journalists and the media from political interference.
Green and digital transition
One of the first tasks von der Leyen assumed as soon as she took the reins of the Community Manager was, european green deal. So the main purpose economic recovery in Europe ecological transformation and in achieving Climate neutrality by 2050 he was already at his first union speech and will probably be there this year as well. The European institutions have already formed their positions on most of the European Union’s measures. weather packWith the aim of reducing CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030, but the war in Russia has emphasized more than ever the importance of promoting energy efficiency and using CO2. renewable energy, as a way to achieve energy independence from an unreliable partner, according to Brussels. Community Manager has also stepped into the accelerator. digital matter and co-legislators have already managed to close political agreements on digital services and digital markets law. More offers in this area are expected before the end of the year. The EU has bailout plans to support both agendas. He gave the green light to everyone except Brussels. Hungarypending reforms on the rule of law.