To strengthen processes and eliminate danger across the European area, the European Union is now setting new goals that appear to be stronger than ever. For the years 2019 to 2024, there are six major priorities that the EU seems to be focusing on.

In this article, we will introduce these six priorities to help you understand the course that the EU will follow within the next few years.

A European Green Plan

Focusing on climate change and the environmental degradation that is currently happening across the world, the EU recognizes the threat and is making an effort to eliminate the problem. By implementing a new growth strategy that will transform the European Union into a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy.

Here are the characteristics of that economy:

1. No set emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050
2. Economic growth is decoupled from resource use
3. No person or place is left behind

Using the European Green Deal as a roadmap to make the EU’s green economy strategy sustainable, the EU will focus on turning climate and environmental changes into economic opportunities across all potential policy areas to make the transition proper, just, and inclusive for everyone.

A Europe Fit for a Digital Era

Digital transformation is here. Digital technology is changing people’s lives and the world as we know it. As a result, the EU is now adding a strategy that aims to make this transformation work equally for people and businesses while at the same time helping to achieve its target of a climate-neutral Europe by 2050.

the EU’s strategies for artificial intelligence (AI) and data aim to encourage businesses to work with, and develop, these new technologies, while at the same time making sure that they earn citizens’ trust.

An Economy that Works for the People

It has been proven through years of research that, if the economy does not work for the people and businesses alike, it will eventually fail. Luckily, in Europe, the unique social market economy allows for all other economies to grow. Adding to that, the nature of the European economy allows for poverty and inequality to be reduced.

To maintain this kind of economy and enhance it even more in the future, the EU needs to strengthen small and medium enterprises even more. It is also essential to complete the Capital Markets Union and to deepen the Economic and Monetary Union.

Here is how the policy will work:

1. A deeper and fairer economic and monetary union
2. Internal Market
3. Jobs, growth, and investments
4. European Semester
5. Boosting Jobs

This might be one of the most important priorities for the EU, seeing as enhancing an already strong economy and building new bridges can lead to an even stronger financial stability

A stronger Europe in the World

The EU has always had a strong voice across the world. Aiming for a more open and fair trade agenda, Europe will move on to the next level of becoming an attractive place for new business. That will lead to the strengthening of the role of Europe as the global leader and at the same time ensure the highest possible standards of climate, environmental as well as labor protection.

It is important to note that one of the key factors for Europe, stronger in the World, is the collaboration with neighboring countries and partners. As a result, the EU has introduced a comprehensive strategy on Africa and reaffirming the European perspective of the countries of the Western Balkans.

Here are the policy areas that the Commission is focusing on:

1. Foreign Policy
2. European Neighborhood Policy
3. International Cooperation and Development
4. Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection
5. Trade Policy
6. Security and Defence
7. EU Enlargement
8. A Balanced and Progressive Trade Policy to Harness Globalization

The Commission seeks a coordinated approach to external action – from development aid to the Common Foreign and Security Policy – that secures a stronger and more united voice for Europe in the world.

Promoting our European Way of Life

A Europe that protects must also stand up for justice and the EU’s core values.

Threats to the rule of law challenge the legal, political, and economic basis of our Union. The rule of law is central to President von der Leyen’s vision for a Union of equality, tolerance, and social fairness.

The Commission will launch a comprehensive European Rule of Law Mechanism under which it is to report every year, objectively, on the state-of-play on the rule of law across the Union.

Here are the focus policy areas:

1. Security Union
2. Judicial Cooperation
3. Fundamental Rights
4. Consumer Protection
5. Migration

Strong borders, modernization of the EU’s asylum system, and cooperation with partner countries are important to achieve a fresh start on migration.

A New Push for European Democracy

The record-high turnout in the 2019 European elections shows the vibrancy of the European democracy. Yet, Europeans need a stronger role in the decision-making process and a more active role in setting our priorities. A Conference on the future of Europe will enable them to have their say over what is important for the EU.

To protect our democracy from external interference, a joint approach and common standards are necessary to tackle issues such as disinformation and online hate messages.

Here are the focus policy areas:

1. Future of Europe
2. Have Your Say on Commission Initiatives

On a social and financial level, Europe is growing fast. These policies will help determine the future of Europe after 2024. All Member States need to collaborate and follow these policies. A stronger Europe is a better place to live!