BAKGRUNN (fra Kommisjonens pressemelding 27.9.2023)

In a Communication adopted today, the Commission provides a contribution to the forthcoming leaders' debate in Granada on the future-oriented approach to the EU's open strategic autonomy and on priority policy objectives for the EU in the years ahead. It takes stock of achievements and remaining challenges to build a more resilient, competitive and sustainable economy, to protect EU citizens, and to guarantee their well-being. This follows the Versailles Declaration adopted by EU leaders on 11 March 2022.

The Communication points to specific areas where more efforts are needed, such as building a more innovative and interconnected Single Market, preserving internal cohesion, fostering alliances with international partners and building the EU's capacity as a security provider for its citizens and region. The EU must continue work to de-risk and reinforce its economic and industrial base while protecting its economic security and its unique social model.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: “Europe has reacted decisively to a rapidly changing geopolitical and economic environment. The new reality requires that we strengthen our capacity to protect Europe's strategic interests, and to provide security for our citizens and partners. Since Versailles, the EU stays the course and is transforming into a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable economy. We will continue to stand together and further deepen ties with partners and those that share our concerns and interests.”

Bolstering Europe's defence capabilities and building lasting peace in Europe

The EU has taken bold steps to develop its defence dimension and bolster Europe's defence capabilities. With the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence, the EU has taken action to strengthen its capacity as a security provider. The adoption of the third Joint Declaration with NATO in January 2023 substantially reinforced the EU-NATO strategic partnership, expanding it to new cooperation areas such as emerging and disruptive technologies, climate and defence, as well as space. With initiatives such as the three-track approach to providing 1 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine, the EU has taken unprecedented, coordinated steps to increase military aid, and support both joint defence procurement and increased ammunition production with the EU budget.

While the implementation of the European Defence Fund (EDF) is boosting innovation and cooperative approaches in the EU's defence industry, further efforts are needed to boost military mobility throughout the EU, strengthen the European defence technological and industrial base and address cyber and hybrid threats. The Commission will present a European Defence Industrial Strategy to prepare the future framework for defence cooperation.

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine also underscores the importance of the EU's enlargement. The EU continues providing assistance to all candidate countries on their path to full membership and will assess the progress made so far in its upcoming annual Enlargement Package.

Enhancing Europe's energy security and tackling the climate crisis

The EU has severely weakened the grip that Russia had on our economy and energy supply by reducing demand, diversifying energy supplies and accelerating the deployment of renewable energy. Between August 2022 and July 2023, Member States reduced gas demand by 17%.

The revised Renewable Energy Directive leads Member States to establish faster and simpler permitting rules, targeting an increase of the share of renewables in the EU's overall energy consumption to 42.5% by 2030.

Thanks to REPowerEU, the EU already diversified a significant part of its energy supply, reducing Russian pipeline gas from 50% of total gas imports in 2021 to less than 10% in 2023 so far. Oil imports from Russia have dropped from 27% to 6%, while coal imports are now at zero, down from 46% in 2021.

Remaining bottlenecks should be addressed as a matter of priority: the reform of the electricity market design will further facilitate the integration of renewable energy and ensure access to affordable renewable and non-fossil electricity; the EU also needs to improve energy interconnections in the Single Market and upgrade its grids. There is no room for complacency.

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