European Commission policy guidelines for 2024-2029

On July 18, 2024. The European Parliament elected Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission, who presented the Commission‘s policy guidelines for the 2024-2029 term to the European Parliament.

The policy guidelines presented for 2024-2029 are based on consultations and common ideas that have been discussed and democratically agreed upon in the European Parliament. One of the main lines of action is climate change adaptation, preparedness and climate solidarity, which will involve, among other things, increasing Europe’s water security and preparing a new European water resilience strategy.

Policy guidelines for fisheries and ocean conservation

Under the guidelines outlined, Europe will protect its food sovereignty and those who provide it to us, including fishermen. Thanks to them, fisheries remain the engine of development for coastal communities and economies. They ensure the supply of healthy food to local, national and international markets.

As announced, a Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans will be appointed during the upcoming term of the European Commission. of Fisheries and Oceans, who will be responsible for ensuring that the sector continues to be sustainable, competitive and resilient, and for ensuring a level playing field for the European fisheries chain.

A European Ocean Pact will be adopted to protect the oceans, focusing on boosting the blue economy and ensuring proper management and sustainability of our oceans in all aspects.

Over the next term, the European Commission will focus on incentives and the fair and effective implementation of change, not forgetting to fulfill international biodiversity commitments contained in, among other things. in the Kunming/Montreal Agreement, which we wrote about in a previous article: Kunming-Montréal Biodiversity Agreement – EU presents its progress.

Climate guidelines for climate change adaptation and water conservation

One element in adapting to climate change is the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Extreme weather events – floods, fires, droughts – are ravaging more and more areas across Europe, and at all times of the year. Therefore, according to the guidelines presented, the European Commission should develop a European Civil Defense Mechanism covering all aspects of crisis and disaster management, as well as building a resilient community.

As Europe’s climate is warming faster than the global average, urgent action is needed to increase resilience and preparedness for climate change. To this end, plans include. An inventory of risk factors and needs in terms of preparedness in infrastructure, energy, water, food and land in urban and rural areas, as well as the need for data and early warning systems, among other things. These activities will take place within the framework of the European Climate Change Adaptation Plan, which serves to support member states, particularly in terms of preparedness and planning, and is expected to provide regular science-based risk assessments.

One of the elements highlighted in the guidelines is enhancing Europe’s water security. Water is an essential resource for the security of our food, energy and economy. However, it is under increasing pressure as a result of climate change and growing demands.

The European Commission’s policy guidelines for 2024-2029 also mention a new European water resilience strategy that will ensure proper management of sources and action in the face of shortages. One of its main goals is expected to be to give the European water industry a competitive edge, driven by innovation, and to introduce a closed-loop approach. As part of the initiative, the European Commission will lead efforts to prevent and mitigate severe water scarcity around the world. Water conservation efforts were also part of the European Commission’s work during the previous term, as we wrote about in an earlier article in Water Matters: State of the EU 2023 address.

European Commission term 2024-2029

With the term of the current Commission running until October 31, 2024, work will soon begin to elect new commissioners. The presidents, vice-presidents and other members of the Commission are chosen based on proposals from EU countries. The commissioners’ candidacies must be approved by the leaders of the member states at a meeting of the European Council.

Each candidate for commissioner appears before the European Parliament, where he presents his views and answers questions from MEPs. The Parliament then decides by vote whether it will support the composition of the new Commission, which must ultimately be approved by a qualified majority in the European Council.