Following the (first) Trump administration, Russian aggression in the 2024 European elections, a (re-)new(ed) leadership Crimea and Georgia, terrorism, the COVID pandemic, will enter office with a set of priorities for the upcoming and so on.3 At the same time, Europe continues to years, reflecting the campaigns and the outcome of the be challenged by the structural implications of the elections a. [...] INNOVATION #3 – ALIGNMENT OF STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITIES Recognising not only the nature of the geopolitical If agreement cannot be found within the and geo-economic environment but also the impact EU framework, an alternative route needs the multifaceted challenges are having on the political economy of EU decisions and the nature of European to be explored, allowing the ‘willing and inte. [...] the “rhetoric-actions gap” between the deep challenges identified in Sunday speeches and the inadequate implementation of indispensable policy actions?24 q How do we resolve the need to strengthen the Union’s The objectives set by the European Council ability to act with a marked reluctance to provide the in its 2024-2029 Strategic Agenda and EU with more powers and competences? the key political. [...] the scale and scope of the challenges we face, guarding against the progress illusion.33 INNOVATION #4 – COOPERATION BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL & COMMISSION Principles and process of alignment PRESIDENTS To achieve greater alignment of objectives, the process For national capitals to align objectives, and to be ready should not end with the appointment of the new to allow the Commission to wield. [...] So, in sum, a merger member state level.36 Taking lessons from the Brexit of the two positions would lead to a clash between the experience, the use of the so-called ‘Barnier method’37 intergovernmental and the Community methods to the offers a way forward when it comes to implementing the detriment of the Union.35 (if possible common) strategic objectives defined by the European Council and key p.
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Table of Contents
- DISCUSSION PAPER 1
- Eight structural innovations for the EUs next politico- institutional cycle 1
- Table of contents 2
- List of abbreviations 3
- Executive summary 4
- A new beginning 5
- Russias invasion of Ukraine was a watershed moment ushering in a Zeitenwende the beginning of a new era where European security prosperity and democracy are directly under threat. 5
- The fundamental challenges that we are confronted with should function as a rallying call not as an excuse for despair introspection inertia and inaction. 6
- Improving the EUs implementation capacity Eight structural innovations 8
- INNOVATION 1 A MORE EXECUTIVE COMMISSION 8
- The pressures for a more executive Commission will increase including the need to expand the policy means and financial instruments necessary to act. 8
- INNOVATION 2 THE NEED FOR ADAPTIVE VARIABLE PRAGMATISM 9
- It seems highly unlikely that the EU and its members will in the immediate future be guided by shared visions of grand novel institutional designs. 9
- If agreement cannot be found within the EU framework an alternative route needs to be explored allowing the willing and able to cooperate outside the EU treaties 10
- INNOVATION 3 ALIGNMENT OF STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITIES 10
- The objectives set by the European Council in its 2024-2029 Strategic Agenda and the key political priorities defined by the next Commission President should be coordinated and aligned. 11
- Although the Union and its members reacted more decisively than many expected this is no time for self- congratulation. 12
- INNOVATION 4 COOPERATION BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL COMMISSION PRESIDENTS 12
- EU leaders should send a clear political signal and set a clear mandate for future office holders that they expect them to cooperate constructively in the 2024-2029 politico-institutional cycle. 13
- INNOVATION 5 ESTABLISHMENT OF STRATEGIC TASK FORCES 13
- INNOVATION 6 NEW COMMISSION STRUCTURE 14
- All Commissioners should be obliged to sign-up to the EUs strategic priorities and key delivery mechanisms. 15
- INNOVATION 7 TRANSVERSAL PRINCIPLES 16
- INNOVATION 8 HIGHER LEVEL OF CITIZENS PARTICIPATION 17
- The EU and its members should not only acknowledge but also embrace the need for radical change and citizens participation can be key in moving the Union fundamentally forward. 17
- Conclusion EUropes is real 18
- Only if we have effective structures and mechanisms will it be possible to start to deliver on the priorities of EUrope in this era of existential threats. 18
- NOTES 21
- NOTES 22
- NOTES 23
