On 27 June, the European Council adopted the new agenda for 2024-2029 which is based on three pillars: a free and democratic Europe; a strong and secure Europe; a prosperous and competitive Europe. In the new global political landscape, the strategic agenda aims to make Europe more sovereign and better equipped to deal with the future challenges.
In terms of competitiveness, the agenda sets out the folowing priorities:
- reinforce the EU’s sovereignty in strategic sectors and make Europe a technological and industrial powerhouse, while promoting an open economy.
- close growth, productivity and innovation gaps with international partners and main competitors. This requires a significant collective investment effort, mobilising both public and private funding, including through the European Investment Bank.
- strengthen economic security, reduce harmful dependencies and diversify and secure strategic supply chains, including by enhancing our maritime security.
- build up own capacity in sensitive sectors and key technologies of the future, such as defence, space, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, semiconductors, 5G/6G, health, biotechnologies, net-zero
- technologies, mobility, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and advanced materials.
- promote innovation and research, as well as leveraging tools such as public procurement, is crucial in this endeavour.
- Every five years, EU leaders agree on a new strategic agenda to guide the work and priorities of EU institutions for the upcoming mandate.
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/4aldqfl2/2024_557_new-strategic-agenda.pdf