Description
The Strategic Agenda sets the EU's priorities and strategic orientations for the 2024-2029 institutional cycle. It thus guides the work of the EU institutions.
With strategic competition, growing global instability and attempts to undermine the rules-based international order reshaping the global political landscape, the EU needs a clear strategic plan and a solid framework for its actions.
Faced with unprecedented challenges, from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine to the fight against climate change via the situation in the Middle East and the mitigation of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU has become stronger and more united. To continue on this path, the EU will meet the aspirations of its citizens and strengthen its competitiveness, become the first climate-neutral continent, tackle migration and take the lead in addressing global challenges.
At its meeting in Brussels on 27 June 2024, the European Council agreed on the Strategic Agenda 2024-2029, which sets out the EU's priorities and strategic orientations. It will thus guide the work of the EU institutions.
Strategic Agenda 2024-2029
In the face of a changing global landscape and increasing instability, the strategic agenda will make Europe more sovereign and better equipped to face immediate and future challenges. The strategic agenda is structured around three pillars
- a free and democratic Europe
- a strong and secure Europe
- a prosperous and competitive Europe
a free and democratic Europe
Values such as respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, are the primary strength of the EU and serve as its compass both within the EU and globally.
These values also form the basis for a stronger, more prosperous and more democratic Union for its citizens. To defend these values inside and outside the EU, the European Council's priorities in this area include
- promoting and safeguarding the rule of law
- strengthening democratic resilience and democratic debate
- protecting the freedom and pluralism of the media and civil society
- combating foreign interference and attempts at destabilisation
- ensuring that technology giants take responsibility for safeguarding democratic debates online
- the defence of the UN Charter and the promotion of peace, justice and stability worldwide
- the commitment to reforming the multilateral system, making it more inclusive
A strong and secure Europe
In a world that has become more conflictual, transactional and uncertain, the EU must be able to adapt while affirming its ambition and its role as a strategic global actor. Europe must be a place where people are and feel free and safe.
In this context, the priorities of the European Council include:
- continued support for Ukraine, including its reconstruction and the pursuit of a just peace
- strengthening EU defence readiness and capability and increasing defence spending and investment
- cooperation with transatlantic partners and NATO
- the fight against organised crime, radicalisation, terrorism and violent extremism
- strengthening resilience, preparedness and crisis prevention and response capabilities to protect citizens and societies from various crises, e.g. natural disasters and health emergencies
- a meritocratic EU enlargement process, with incentives, running in parallel with necessary internal reforms
- a comprehensive approach to migration and border management
A prosperous and competitive Europe
The EU is determined to strengthen its long-term competitiveness and to improve the economic and social well-being of its citizens, including by increasing their purchasing power, creating good jobs and ensuring the quality of goods and services. To strengthen Europe's sovereignty in strategic areas and make it a technological and industrial powerhouse, the EU's priorities in this area include
- a deepened single market, in particular in energy, finance and telecommunications
- substantial collective investment efforts, mobilising both public and private funding, including through the European Investment Bank and integrated European capital markets
- an ambitious, robust, open and sustainable trade policy
- the reduction of harmful dependencies and the diversification and securing of strategic supply chains
- improved capacity in key future technologies, such as artificial intelligence, net-zero technologies and semiconductors
- green and digital transitions, including a genuine energy union and investment in breakthrough digital technologies in Europe
- a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector
- the promotion of an innovation and business-friendly environment
- the strengthening of health cooperation at European and international level
- investment in skills, training and education
Pathway to the Strategic Agenda 2024-2029
Every five years, EU leaders agree on the EU's political priorities for the future. This takes place in the context of the European Parliament elections and before the appointment of each European Commission.
Work on the agreed priorities is taken forward by the EU institutions and the Member States and is taken into account in the Multiannual Financial Framework, the EU's long-term budget.
The Strategic Agenda 2024-2029 was launched at the EU summit in Granada (Spain) in October 2023. In the following months, President Michel led the process of setting the strategic agenda by working closely with the leaders of the EU countries in a collective and inclusive manner.
Source: European Council
Image: European Council