COUNCIL AGREES ITS STRATEGIC AGENDA 2024 -2029
The European Council approved this week in Brussels its strategic agenda for its new mandate 2024-2029.
The Council emphasised its key values for a strong and secure Europe. Furthermore it called for the enhancement of the Single Market as a key driver of prosperity and economic convergence. By deepening integration in energy, finance, and telecommunications, and removing barriers to services and essential goods, the EU aims to ensure equal access through improved connectivity. A balanced state aid and competition framework will preserve the integrity of the Single Market, with SMEs remaining central to Europe’s economic and social fabric.
Financial integration will be accelerated by achieving the Capital Markets Union and completing the Banking Union, creating integrated European capital markets accessible to all citizens and businesses. The EU will promote the central role of the WTO and pursue a robust trade policy to secure fair trade agreements, open third-country markets, defend EU interests, and develop resilient supply chains.
Economic security will be strengthened by reducing dependencies and securing strategic supply chains, particularly in sensitive sectors and key technologies like defence, space, AI, and semiconductors. Innovation and research will be promoted, leveraging public procurement to support these efforts.
The EU is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, harnessing the potential of green and digital transitions to create future markets, industries, and high-quality jobs. A supportive environment for scaling up manufacturing capacity for net-zero technologies will be established, with investments in cross-border infrastructure for energy, water, transport, and communications. A just and fair climate transition aims to enhance global competitiveness and energy sovereignty.
The EU will drive industrial development of clean technologies, develop a circular and resource-efficient economy, and promote clean and smart mobility. Data interoperability and investment in digital technologies will be encouraged, ensuring privacy and security.
Finally, promoting an innovation- and business-friendly environment, the EU will reduce bureaucratic burdens and digitise administrative procedures to support a modern investment climate. Special attention will be given to SMEs and start-ups, ensuring they benefit from better regulation and digital government initiatives. This integrated approach will focus on the implementation and enforcement of agreed policies.
The Council conclusions are available via this link.