Von der Leyen’s confirmation speech: 7 opportunities and threats for local government

After much delay and uncertainty, the European Union finally has a new team at the helm, led by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In an impassioned speech in Parliament, von der Leyen laid out her agenda for the coming years, focusing on climate and digitalisation. CEMR has analysed today’s speech, highlighting the key take-aways, opportunities and threats for municipalities and regions.

1. Upgrading the Sustainable Development Goals

“Every Member State committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. And it is in this spirit that Paolo Gentiloni will oversee the implementation of the Goals.”

As a former prime minister and the new Commissioner for Economy, Paolo Gentiloni’s being given responsibility for the SDGs represents a serious upgrade for the Global Agenda at the EU level. This is the result of lobbying by the S&D group, who pushed to give more prominence to the SDGs. Time will tell whether the SDGs will actually be taken into account across policy areas.

2. Decentralised what? Eastern who?

“Countries from East to West, from South to North, need Europe to be a true partner. We can be the shapers of a better global order. […] We’ll strengthen our partners through cooperation, because strong partners make Europe strong too.”

Von der Leyen was perhaps surprisingly brief on international cooperation, and did not mention the Eastern Partnership, even as she brands her new Commission as a distinctly “geopolitical” one.

3. The twin transition: the European Green Deal and digitalisation

“We should harness this transformative power of the twin climate and digital transition to strengthen our own industrial base and innovation potential.”

Von der Leyen was emphatic in presenting her programme under the twin headings of the new “European Green Deal” and digitalisation. She argues that environmental issues must be integrated across policy areas and that being a leader on climate action will also allow Europe to remain competitive economically. Furthermore, von der Leyen wants Europe to take the lead on tech, data and innovation.

4. The Just Transition… Mechanism

“It is a generational transition towards climate neutrality by mid-century. But this transition must be just and inclusive – or it will not happen at all. […] In regions that will have to make a bigger step than most, we will support people and businesses with a targeted just transition mechanism. It will cut across different funds and instruments and attract the private investment we need.”

As part of the Green Deal, von der Leyen specifically mentioned special support for carbon-intensive energy-producing or industrial regions in transitioning to low-carbon economic models. This represents welcome support to help regions adapt.

5. Gender almost-equality

“As the first woman to be president of the Commission, every Member of my College will have a gender-balanced Cabinet – for the very first time. And by the end of our mandate, we will have gender equality at all levels of management – for the very first time.”

The promotion of gender equality represents one of von der Leyen’s flagship initiatives. While her team is has not quite achieved gender parity, 12 out of 27 commissioners are now women, a higher proportion than ever before.

6. Cohesion: a policy left behind?

“We must support Member States with targeted investments and structural reforms. I cannot think of a better person to lead this work than Elisa Ferreira.”

Unfortunately, cohesion policy and local and regional governments were scarcely mentioned by von der Leyen at all.

 
7. Conference on the Future of Europe
“We will mobilise Europe’s best energies from all parts of our Union, from all institutions, from all walks of life to engage in the Conference on the Future of Europe. It should be inclusive for all institutions and citizens.”

It’s no secret that the European Union is in need of reform to face the challenges of the twenty-first century. The proposed Conference is tentatively planned to begin in February 2020 and conclude two years later.