Thursday 9 May, Europe Day, two weeks before the European elections, the 27 EU leaders began their reflection on the EU's strategic priorities for the next five years, at an informal meeting in Sibiu, Romania. The objective was to show citizens that the will to move forward together is stronger than internal quarrels and geopolitical uncertainties, such as Brexit.
We had “a discussion on the European Union's priorities for the coming years”, whether they be “internal or global challenges in a world that is constantly evolving”, said the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, at the end of the meeting.
For his part, the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, noted “a unity, not a facade, but a solid one”, among the Twenty-Seven, and said that the informal meeting had served as a “trial run” for the June summit, both for the adoption of the strategic agenda and for the process of appointments to senior European positions (see EUROPE 12251/2).
Based on a draft sent in advance to the Member States (see EUROPE 12247/1), this first discussion will feed into Mr Tusk's reflection and he will submit, at the beginning of next month, a more detailed draft with a view to the adoption of the 2019-2024 strategic agenda by the European Council in June. This agenda will serve as a source of inspiration for the future President of the European Commission when drawing up their work programme.
As a reminder, the strategic priorities submitted by Mr Tusk to the Member States are: - protecting European citizens and civil liberties; - modernising the EU's economic model; - building a more sustainable and just future; - promoting Europe's interests in the world.
A European Commissioner for the Rule of Law
The issue of respect for the rule of law has been raised several times before the press, in particular on the controversial reforms of the Romanian social democratic government, on which Romanians will have to vote in a referendum called on the day of the European elections by the very host of the summit, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis (see EUROPE 12243/11).
“Romania deserves a lot of attention”, said Mr Juncker. For Mr Tusk, it is clear that respect for the rule of law must be “a founding principle of our political action” and “will be included in our strategic agenda”. Some Member States reportedly advocate the creation of a Commissioner dedicated to respect for the rule of law and democratic values in the EU.
Acting for the climate
Another key issue on the future strategic agenda is the fight against climate change. The constant pressure from youth and civil society, who also held a parade on Thursday in Sibiu, seems to be bearing fruit: eight Member States have asked the EU to be even more ambitious in accelerating the move towards carbon neutrality by 2050 (see EUROPE 12250/2).
Mr Juncker certainly expressed his “sympathy” for this approach. But he recalled that before setting a very long-term objective, the EU should already respect the one set for 2030. And it is not done. On climate ambition, “it is true that there are still differences” among the Twenty-Seven, Mr Tusk acknowledged.
On the contrary, for the French President, Emmanuel Macron, “there is a consensus that climate must be part of the agenda for Europe”. He proposes setting up a climate bank and to set a minimum price for CO2 in Europe.
Introduction of a minimum wage
In addition, according to the French President, the EU will have to “build the growth and social model of tomorrow”. A model that rejects ‘social dumping’, he explained, thanks to the introduction of a minimum wage in all Member States.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed European competitiveness and the Union's ability to adapt to technological change. “Europe will have to impose its perspective in the field of digitisation”, she stressed, also making this issue an issue of “sovereignty”.
Ten commitments
Very quickly, earlier in the day, the Twenty-Seven had adopted, without amending the draft text submitted to them, the Sibiu Declaration, which sets out ten commitments that should guide their action in the future, but which were relatively agreed (see EUROPE 12247/1).
In front of the press, Mr Iohannis welcomed the “positive message” sent regarding the willingness of Member States to move forward on clear principles, hoping that this message will reach “the largest number of European citizens”.
With no real surprises in store, the Sibiu Declaration reaffirms the Twenty-Seven’s determination to “stand united against all odds”, to “speak with one voice”, to continue to “protect our way of life, democracy and the rule of law”. Giving itself the means to achieve its ambitions, the EU will intervene “where it matters most”, continue to reduce disparities and help the most vulnerable in Europe, “putting men and women before politics”.
Several leaders, including Ms Merkel, stressed the power of symbols: 9 May marks the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, 2019 the fifteenth anniversary of the enlargement to ten Central and Eastern European countries and the thirtieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
European elections
It is difficult to say whether these evocations will be enough to mobilise for the European elections. “Don't let Europe steal from you”, Macron said to the youth who could abstain en masse at the end of May.
He mentioned the British youth who, insufficiently mobilised during the referendum on Brexit in June 2016, “woke up the next day with a hangover”. And to offer voters a “very clear alternative: build together [...] or deconstruct Europe and return to nationalism”.
See the Sibiu Declaration: http://bit.ly/2VNRZ6k (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion with Lucas Tripoteau)