With just eight months remaining until the European elections, this year's address centred on reviewing the Commission's accomplishments during its current term. In a departure from previous years, there was increased emphasis on the prospective influence of artificial intelligence and technology within the European Union, as well as ambitious proposals for expanding the bloc. In Ursula von der Leyen's recent State of the Union address, she presented an optimistic vision for the future of the EU while highlighting several key announcements in areas such as migration, security, the European Green Deal, and relations with Africa. However, a closer examination of her speech reveals a need for critical assessment, and raises questions about the EU's ability to address its pressing challenges effectively.
MIGRATION
Von der Leyen's address on the EU's approach to migration falls short of addressing the critical issues surrounding human rights and the treatment of migrants. While she mentioned the new pact on migration and asylum, the speech lacked a comprehensive commitment to upholding human rights in migration policies. The EU has faced extensive criticism for its handling of migrants, particularly in detention centres and overcrowded camps where inhumane conditions persist. Von der Leyen's speech did not address these pressing concerns, leaving a substantial gap in acknowledging and rectifying these human rights violations. While the New Pact on Migration and Asylum was mentioned, von der Leyen did not provide details on how it addresses the chronic issues plaguing the EU's asylum system. Delays in processing asylum claims, inadequate living conditions for asylum seekers, and the lack of a fair distribution mechanism among member states are critical issues that remain unaddressed.
The refugee crisis is a humanitarian issue that requires a coordinated and compassionate response. Von der Leyen acknowledged the ongoing conflict at Europe's borders, but failed to offer concrete solutions or address the EU's shortcomings in handling migration. Her speech lacked a clear plan for comprehensive immigration reform, leaving many to wonder if Europe can truly uphold its values in the face of this ongoing crisis.
The recent arrival of approximately 8500 irregular migrants in Lampedusa presents a significant challenge for the EU. Despite the EU-Tunisia migration agreement signed in July, departures from North African coasts continue, raising questions about the effectiveness of the deal. Furthermore, the EU's latest pact on asylum and migration, which theoretically requires member states to share the migration burden, faces resistance from countries like Germany and Hungary, signaling a lack of unity. This situation places immense pressure on the EU's migration system, testing its capacity for hosting migrants and its commitment to upholding their human rights.
SECURITY AND DEFENCE
While von der Leyen highlighted Europe's response to Russia's aggression and the need to stand up to an assertive China, her rhetoric appeared more as grandstanding than concrete policy actions. The EU's foreign policy has often been criticised for its inconsistency and inability to speak with one voice. However, some key announcements on security took place this year.
The European Peace Facility (EPF), for instance, started to pool funds and partially reimburse Member States for their arms deliveries to Ukraine. The EPF was also employed to finance the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) for Ukraine, marking the most ambitious training mission to be conducted on EU territory. Additionally, the EU has adopted the 'Strategic Compass,' a comprehensive framework that will shape the Union's security and defence strategies until 2030. This strategic document delineates specific actions and timelines across four key sections: Act, Secure, Invest, and Partner. It includes a wide-ranging list of over 80 specific objectives, with approximately 50 of them slated for implementation by the conclusion of 2022.
EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL:
In her speech, von der Leyen highlighted the European Green Deal as a crucial response to the urgent need to combat climate change. She pointed out the recent extreme weather events in Europe, such as wildfires and floods, as evidence of the climate crisis. Initially conceived four years ago, the European Green Deal was presented as both a necessity to safeguard the environment and an opportunity to ensure future prosperity.
The European Green Deal received significant attention in von der Leyen's speech, with praise for its ambition and global leadership. While the EU's commitment to sustainability is commendable, questions remain about its ability to achieve its climate targets. For instance, the speech should have highlighted that while recent green transition plans within the Fit for 55 package have made significant progress, it is crucial for the EU to accelerate progress towards an ambitious 2040 climate target as a central part of its sustainability agenda. Additionally, Member States should be encouraged to proactively and decisively implement the EU-level agreed rules outlined in their National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). This approach will ensure an effective effort toward achieving the EU's climate objectives.
Notably, the speech did not touch upon the concept of environmental justice, which is crucial in ensuring that the benefits and burdens of the green transition are distributed fairly among different communities and socioeconomic groups. The circular economy, which focuses on reducing waste and promoting sustainability through recycling and resource efficiency, was not prominently featured. To bolster the environmental impact of the European Green Deal, it is essential to integrate circular economy principles. This not only entails innovation, but also the development of comprehensive and inclusive policies that tackle the multifaceted challenges of a sustainable transition. Currently, four ongoing files are being negotiated to advance these goals: the Sustainable Product Initiative, the Circular Electronics Initiative, and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). These files must underscore the EU's commitment to implementing policies that address various aspects of sustainability, including product design, waste management, and resource efficiency.
INDIA-MIDDLE EAST-EUROPE ECONOMIC CORRIDOR:
The EU’s announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is a commendable and forward-thinking initiative, offering several significant advantages and opportunities. Through establishing a direct rail link between India, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe, it represents a major leap in trade connectivity. For instance, the IMEC is set to reduce transit times by 40%, making trade more efficient and cost-effective. This not only benefits the EU, but also strengthens economic ties between Europe and Asia. Furthermore, the inclusion of an electricity cable and a clean hydrogen pipeline is a groundbreaking move towards sustainable energy trade. Fostering clean energy exchange between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.
RELATIONS WITH AFRICA:
Von der Leyen mentioned the importance of partnerships and cooperation with Africa, but her speech lacked details on how the EU plans to strengthen these relations. The EU's approach to Africa has often been criticised for being overly transactional and lacking a long-term vision. The term “mutually beneficial” should extend beyond mere rhetoric. There is a historical economic imbalance between the EU and African nations, characterised by unequal trade agreements and resource exploitation. Addressing this imbalance should be a central focus of any genuine partnership.
The mention of cooperation with “legitimate governments” is vague. A more critical approach would involve a deeper examination of the EU's relationship with African governments, some of which have faced criticism for human rights abuses and corruption. Ensuring that governance issues are addressed transparently is vital for a just partnership. A more critical analysis of EU-Africa relations would have explored issues such as trade imbalances, neocolonialism, and sustainable development.
The Critical Raw Materials Act, for instance, exemplifies this tendency to prioritise its interests over the rhetoric of “equal partnership”. While the Act is designed to ensure the security of raw materials critical to European industries, its implementation and impact on African nations often reflect a one-sided approach that prioritises European interests over genuine partnership with African countries. While green transition technologies will inevitably require a certain amount of raw materials, the Act must support the African countries to process and refine their materials and expand on domestic value addition.
Simply mentioning cooperation is insufficient to address these complex challenges. The promise to work on a “new strategic approach” for the next EU-AU Summit is positive, but it needs to be backed by tangible commitments and actions. This should include agreements on issues such as trade, development aid, climate action, and conflict resolution. Finally, a critical partnership should involve not only governments and regional organisations, but also civil society and grassroots organisations. Their voices and perspectives are essential for a well-rounded approach that addresses the needs and aspirations of the people.
It is evident that EU-Africa relations demand a fundamental shift in approach. The rise of anti-colonial and anti-EU sentiments in the Sahel, coupled with the severe consequences of climate breakdown in northern Africa, has highlighted the need for change. Currently, the EU primarily concentrates on curbing migration, combatting smugglers in the Mediterranean, and endorsing repatriations to African nations. To forge a more effective and equitable partnership, it is imperative to alter this narrative, emphasizing that African countries should be seen as dependable and equal partners, rather than mere subjects of public order or sources of resources and inexpensive labor.
GENDER EQUALITY:
While von der Leyen celebrated progress in gender equality, it is essential to scrutinise the EU's actions in this regard. The Women on Boards Directive and the EU's accession to the Istanbul Convention are positive steps, but gender inequality persists across Europe in various forms.
The Women on Boards Directive, which aims to increase gender diversity on corporate boards, is a significant step towards gender equality in the workplace. Nevertheless, it is crucial to scrutinise the extent to which this directive is being effectively enforced. Are companies complying with the gender diversity requirements, or are there loopholes and resistance to change? A critical analysis would examine the concrete impact of this directive on corporate leadership positions. Holding the EU accountable for implementing and enforcing these measures effectively is crucial.
The EU's accession to the Istanbul Convention, which focuses on combating violence against women and domestic violence, is another positive development. However, the mere ratification of international conventions is not sufficient. A critical perspective should assess whether EU Member States are actively implementing the provisions of the convention and whether there is adequate support for victims of violence. It is essential to determine if the convention's objectives are being realised in practice.
In conclusion, while Ursula von der Leyen's State of the Union address presented an optimistic vision for the EU's future, a more critical analysis reveals gaps in concrete policy proposals and a need for robust action on pressing issues. The European Union must move beyond rhetoric and demonstrate its ability to address migration, security, climate change, and global partnerships effectively. Only through substantial and meaningful actions can it truly fulfil its promises to its citizens and the world.