EU Commissioners, strengthen the security of the Union

Dear Commissioners,

We hope that under your leadership, the European Commission will focus on issues critical to the future of the Union. We also propose that all initiatives assess the long-term impact of decisions or non-decision on the Union’s development.

#1 Focus on the security of the EU and its Member States. Support the independence of Ukraine.

Anchoring peace in Europe was a key objective in the 1950s when the precursors of the European Union were established. At that time, the challenges were internal to Europe and related to reconciling European states.

European security remains a key issue today. However, the operating environment has changed, and key uncertainties now emerge from the world around us. The EU must respond to developments in Russia, China and the United States and to entirely new types of threats. This requires preparedness in all sectors of society, equally in industry, agriculture and energy production, and both at the level of the Union and the Member States.

Help Ukraine to maintain its independence. It will also support European security.

#2 Strengthen the EU’s decision-making capacity. Make full use of the Commission’s influence if the unanimity requirement paralyses Union decision-making.

If the Member States of the European Union do not find common ground on key issues, use the Commission’s influence to the full to promote issues that are important for the future of the Union. Be creative and proactive. Launch conversations and leverage your authority.

Even if it does not seem possible to reform the Treaties, there are other ways to enhance the ability to act. Diplomacy will continue to play a key role.

#3 Strengthening competitiveness and the green transition is important. They can support each other.

Strengthening Europe’s competitiveness is a key issue for the 2020s. Mario Draghi’s report provides a good starting point for this. Europe needs to invest in education, research and innovation. It must reform the economic structure and reduce unnecessary regulation. State aid flexibilities must be abandoned. Common EU funding needs to be reformed to support competitiveness.

The green transition is an opportunity for the European economy and supports competitiveness.

#4 Defend European values.

Belief in democracy continues to unite Member States. Stick to European values. One way to do this is to strengthen the link between EU funding and the rule of law.

Offer funding as a carrot for grass-roots projects promoting democracy and reinforce the experience of being European for all of us. For example, encounters between young Europeans could be increased by expanding study exchanges.

All the best for your work in building the future of the European Union!

Sitra’s Leadership Training for the Future EU aims to boost Finland’s capacity to make a difference on the future direction of the European Union. The twice-yearly training courses usually bring together some 30 decision-makers and influencers to debate the future of the EU and strengthen their potential to influence it.