Renew Europe expects this Commission to eradicate Europe’s “too little, too late” syndrome

This Commission must show vision, passion and ambition

Renew Europe has voted in favour of the new European Commission under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen. However, Renew Europe leader Dacian Cioloş warned the Commission it would not be a blank cheque.

He said: “We expect an honest partnership with the European Parliament, based on trust. Without trust between us, there will be no results. And without a clear road to results, Renew will not be on board.”

“I ask three things from this Commission: vision, passion and ambition. That is the only way to face the new challenges and make our citizens enthusiastic about our joint project.”

He reminded Ms. Von der Leyen that Renew Europe has pushed for four big priorities where we expect this Commission to deliver:

“Firstly, we want Europe to be the first carbon-neutral continent in 2050. Let’s invest in this transition with a Just Transition Fund and a Climate Bank and a budget that lives up to the task.”

“Secondly, digital transitions are transforming our society, creating opportunities for our citizens and our economy. Faced with this revolution, we need to support our industry leaders, and boost our SMEs by facilitating access to funding and a regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, including a real European strategy for data.”

“Thirdly, we have to show that we are capable of managing an effective pact on migration and asylum that lives up to our values, build a new alliance for investment, trade and sustainability and a real Europe of defence open to cooperation.”

“And last but not least, to achieve all this, we must reconnect Europe with its citizens. We want a European democracy which is not just an election every five years, but a democracy in which citizens feel a sense of belonging. This will be the task of the Conference on the Future of Europe. This will be the vehicle to remove the obstacles that prevent the Union from working as it should.”

“The “too little, too late” syndrome must be eradicated once and for all. Otherwise it will not be Mr Schinas and his portfolio, but the Americans or the Chinese who will decide on our way of life in the future!”