Europe facing fresh challenges - State of the EU 2025 message

lewiatan.org 3 hours ago

Zdjęcie: Maciej Witucki, przewodniczący Rady Głównej Konfederacji Lewiatan, w garniturze i krawacie, na granatowym tle z napisem: Bezpieczeństwo pozostaje priorytetem Europy.

The European Union was created as a peace project, but today, in the face of increasing instability, safety becomes a priority. Ursula von der Leyen, in her yearly message on the state of the EU, in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, has devoted the most space to this issue. She spoke about Ukraine, the request for solidarity and fresh defence instruments – from the Readiness 2030 programme to initiatives strengthening the east flank. Europe must take work for its own safety and make it clear: freedom and independency of Ukrainians are besides freedom and independency of all Europe.

Security of Europe

Europe must make it clear that the safety of the full Union begins at its east borders. What is happening on the northeastern flank, from the Baltic to the Black Sea, is of direct importance to each associate State. Declarations by the president von der Leyen on investments in east Flank Watch or construction of the alleged drone wall are a step in the right direction. However, it is crucial that these actions go hand in hand with cooperation within NATO – only then will Europe be truly safe – emphasises Maciej Witucki, president of the Leviathan Confederation's Main Council.

EU competitiveness

But safety is not only an army, borders and investments in defence, but above all a foundation of our economy. As von der Leyen stressed, competitiveness is the basis for European prosperity. We request to invest in technologies, digitization and clean tech, make the marketplace for medicines, batteries, steel or fresh energy sources. Europe cannot depend on imports in key sectors. Therefore, instruments for protecting industry, developing infrastructure and speeding up authorisation are so important.

This is simply a good direction, but more needs to be done: ambition and determination to remove barriers that inactive hinder companies across Europe. Europe must one more time become a place where businesses can grow and compete globally and citizens must benefit from prosperity and stability. Competitiveness is our best warrant of freedom, strength and independency – emphasises Margaret Mroczkowska-Horne, Director-General of the Confederation of Leviathan.

Single marketplace and investment

In this context, strengthening the Single marketplace is crucial. Without it, a resilient and competitive Europe cannot be built. The EC president mentioned a fresh roadmap for the Single marketplace Roadmap 2028) and the request to accelerate the construction of the Savings and Investments Union.

In the face of global competition and geopolitical crises, the Union needs determination to complete the Single marketplace task and remove barriers to improvement – from overregulation to the deficiency of common standards. Draghi and Letty's reports clearly show that integration must go further – especially in finance, energy and telecommunications. The single marketplace is our biggest asset – it accounts for 17% of global GDP, creates 56 million jobs and gives companies the scale needed for global competition. At the same time, it remains the top unused possible – it notes King Graf, Deputy Director-General of the Leviathan Confederation for European Affairs.

Less bureaucracy for companies

In her first message of the fresh von der Leyen term, she besides powerfully stressed the request to simplify regulations and reduce bureaucracy for companies.

It's a very crucial business signal. The Commission has set an ambitious mark for reducing administrative burdens – at least 25% for all companies and 35% for SMEs. We anticipate it to be implemented quickly. Omnibuses are a step in the right direction, but there is besides a request for a systemic change in the approach to regulation: sound impact assessments, a real engagement of stakeholders in consultation and greater transparency in the legislative process. velocity is crucial here – if we want to attract investment, the EU must translate the announcements into concrete actions as shortly as possible – comments Luana Żak, Deputy Directors of the Leviathan Confederation Delegation in Brussels.

Key elements of #SOTEU

Geopolitics and Security

Ukraine and Russia

EU – over € 170 billion in military and financial support
New plan: Reparation loan – backing for Ukraine based on frozen assets of Russia; loans are to be repaid after reparation from Russia
Drone Alliance with Ukraine – technological and industrial support (EUR 6 trillion from ERA Loan)
Concept Qualitative Military Edge – investments in capabilities of the Ukrainian army, including drones

EU safety and defence

Readiness 2030 – investment possible up to EUR 800 billion
Programme SAFE – EUR 150 billion for joint defence purchases
Eastern Flank Watch and Drone Wall – strengthening the east flank
Proposal for a European Defence System – EU Defence Planning Cycle

Middle East – Gaza

Starvation as a tool for the war and extremist action of the Israeli government
The simultaneous condemnation of Hamas
Proposals:
- halting part of payments to Israel (without harming society and Yad Vashem)
- sanctions against extremist ministers and violent settlers
- partial suspension of the association agreement
- creation Palestine Donor Group – Gaza reconstruction instrument
Confirmation: a two-state solution as the only way to peace

Global relations and trade

Agreement with the US – stabilizing relations, avoiding trade war
Diversification of partners: Mercosur, Mexico, India (target – conclusion of negotiations in 2025)
Building a coalition for global trade reform, e.g. CPTPP
Choose Europe package – EUR 500 million for researchers, support for the improvement of fresh technologies in Europe
Global wellness opposition Initiative – promoting global health

The economy and the interior marketplace – innovation and competitiveness

Draghi and Letty reports – an indication of the deficiency of integration in finance, energy and telecommunications
Preview Single marketplace Roadmap 2028
Reduction of bureaucracy – saving €8 billion for business thanks to omnibuses and simplifications
New "Fifth Freedom" – cognition and Innovation as a Motor for Integration

Technologies

Scale-up Europe Fund – multi-billion-dollar private-public fund supporting young technology companies
AI Gigafactories – Centres for the improvement and training of large AI models in Europe
Industrial Accelerator Act – faster investment in strategical sectors
Mechanisms to prevent the outflow of innovative companies outside the EU

Energy and climate

Energy Highways and Grids Package – network expansion and modernization, removal of infrastructure bottlenecks
Objective: complete departure from Russian fossil fuels – improvement of RES and atomic power
Circular Economy Act and fresh instruments in support of recycling and safety of natural materials
Confirmation of Green Deal course + fresh climate targets for 2040.
Protection of manufacture from unfair competition and global overproduction – a fresh commercial instrument after the expiry of steel safeguards

Social policy – labour marketplace and life costs

Quality Jobs Act – matching labour rights with the fresh economy
Anti-poverty strategy by 2050 + Children's Guarantee
Affordable Housing Plan – change of state aid rules, support for students and families + EU Housing Summit
Life-saving initiatives:
- Energy – support for RES and atom, modernization of networks
- Transport – initiative Small Affordable Cars (small, inexpensive electrical cars manufactured in Europe)
- food – run Buy European Food – Combating unfair practices towards farmers

Democracy and society

Rule of Law cycle – further strengthening the links between the regulation of law and EU funds
Combating disinformation – European Democracy Shield fresh European Centre of Democratic Resistance
Media opposition Programme – support for independent media
Protection of children online – possible age restrictions in social media, based on Australian solutions

Migration and interior security

Threefold increase in the budget for border management and migration
Pressure on the fast return of uninhabited people (currently only 20% leaves the EU)
Full implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum
Cooperation with airlines and digital platforms in the fight against human trafficking
New sanctions against smugglers – asset freezing, travel restrictions

Climate crisis