European Commission President Juncker delivered the annual "State of the Union Address" at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on the 14th, pointing out that the next 12 months will be decisive in achieving reunification of the EU. To this end, the European Commission will propose a number of policy and legislative recommendations to take proactive actions to address the numerous challenges.
Every September, the President of the European Commission needs to deliver a "State of the Union Address" to the European Parliament. The main content is to review the work completed by the EU in the past year and propose a work plan for the next year. This year is the second time that Juncker has delivered a "State of the Union Address" since taking office as President of the European Commission.
In the past year, the EU has faced multiple major crises and severe challenges, including the European refugee crisis, terrorist attacks, Brexit, etc. These events not only have far-reaching impacts, but are also still in the process of development and evolution, and there are many uncertainties. For this reason, Juncker first proposed in his speech that we must face reality. Today, the EU is facing many crises. Only by uniting can the EU play its role.
“I therefore recommend setting a proactive agenda for concrete action over the next 12 months. Because I believe that the next 12 months will be decisive for us to rebuild the unity of the European Union. If we want to overcome the open divisions between Eastern and Western Europe of recent months; if we want to show that we can still make quick and decisive decisions on matters that matter; if we want to show the world that Europe is still a force that can act together. ”
Revitalizing the EU economy is one of the focuses of Juncker's speech. He proposed that the EU should vigorously develop the digital economy.
“Digital technology and digital communications are penetrating into every aspect of life. What they need is access to high-speed internet. We need to connect. Our economy needs it. People need it. And we need to invest in interoperability now. That is why today the European Commission proposes reforms to the European telecommunications market. We need to create new legal frameworks that attract and enable investment in connectivity. ”
Juncker said that the European Commission has proposed on the 14th that from now to 2025, the EU will comprehensively develop the fifth-generation mobile communication system 5G, which can create 2 million jobs for the EU. In addition, the EU also plans to provide free wireless Internet services in major public activity centers in all villages and cities in the EU by 2020.
Juncker once again emphasized the importance of investment in promoting economic development. He said that since the European Investment Plan totaling 315 billion euros was approved by the European Parliament, 116 billion euros in funds have been raised so far, and approximately 200,000 small and newly started enterprises have received loans, and 100,000 people have gained employment opportunities. He proposed on the spot to double or extend the size and duration of the European Strategic Investment Fund.
“Now, we will take further steps. Today we propose doubling the duration and financial affordability of the European Strategic Investment Fund. We will ensure that by 2020, the European Investment Fund totals at least €5,000. By 2022, we will strive to exceed 630 billion euros. Of course, with the contributions of member states, we can achieve our goals faster. ”
Juncker said that in order to attract private sector investment, the EU needs to create an environment conducive to investment. To this end, the European Commission is currently accelerating the establishment of a capital markets union and proposed an action roadmap on the same day. In addition, the European Commission has also proposed an ambitious "Investment Plan for Africa and Adjacent Regions", which may raise approximately 44 billion euros in investment. If EU member states actively join in, the funding could reach 88 billion. Juncker said that this plan will not only help these regions develop their economies, but also help eradicate the root causes of the migrant crisis.
When talking about security issues, Juncker said that since Madrid suffered a terrorist attack in 2004, more than 30 terrorist attacks have occurred in Europe, including 14 last year alone. More than 600 people have been killed in terrorist attacks in Paris, Brussels, Nice and other places. The EU must strengthen its own defense and fight against terrorism.
“We will secure our borders and we will pass laws by the end of this year to impose strict controls on people crossing our borders. Every time someone enters or leaves the EU, there is a record of when, where and why. By November this year, we will propose the establishment of an "EU Travel Information System", an automated system that can decide who can travel to Europe. This way we know who someone is before they leave for Europe. ”
Juncker also said that the EU should strengthen military cooperation and complement NATO's military capabilities to protect its own interests at home and abroad.
