From climate change to digital disruption, from global conflicts to humanitarian crises, 2024 has been an eventful year.
It was a year of elections around the world and an opportunity to reflect on the importance of democracy in turbulent times. In June, millions of people helped shape Europe’s future by voting in the European elections.
Europe celebrated the 20th anniversary of the biggest enlargement, when 10 countries joined our Union and transformed it forever. We also welcomed Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen family, paving the way for their citizens to benefit from borderless access. travel from 2025.
In 2024, the EU faced many challenges and constantly took steps to meet the expectations of Europeans and beyond.
Moving towards climate goals
Extreme weather events around the world have demonstrated the consequences of climate change and the need for rapid action. The EU remained on track to meet its climate targets, with results that will benefit people and the planet for years to come.
In the first half of 2024, 50% of EU electricity production came from renewable sources. This trend brings us closer to our climate goals: a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050.
Consumers are now better placed to contribute to the circular economy and a clean transition thanks to new rules that give people better information about a product’s sustainability and combat greenwashing and early obsolescence. The Nature Restoration Act will help ecosystems recover, increase biodiversity and strengthen food security. And thanks to new rules on emissions from industrial vehicles, livestock and road vehicles and revised rules on air quality, Europeans will benefit from cleaner air, water and soil. pure.
Ensuring fairness for farmers
Farmers have spoken and we have listened: we have started a new dialogue bringing together European farmers, the agri-food sector and rural communities. We have heard their views, their ambitions, their concerns and their solutions, so that we can find common ground and create a common vision for the future of agriculture in the EU.
In February, we presented actions to simplify and reduce their paperwork. And in December, we proposed new rules to strengthen the position of farmers in the supply chain and combat unfair trading practices.
Responding to crises
The EU has intervened on several occasions to respond to emergency situations across the country. Europe this year. We deployed our fleet of firefighters to fight wildfires this summer in Cyprus, Greece, Portugal, Albania and North Macedonia. We also mobilized support for Austria, Czechia, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, Spain, Poland and Bosnia and Herzegovina when they were hit by devastating floods.
These events confirm the importance of preparing for disasters. A day after deadly flash floods hit Spain’s Valencia region, Special Adviser Sauli Niinistö presented his landmark report on strengthening Europe’s preparedness, highlighting the need for us to adopt a new approach to prepare ourselves for future emergencies.
Creating a safer digital space for everyone
Preparing also means being ready to face disruptive technological changes. In 2024, we have seen how important this is, as artificial intelligence becomes part of our daily lives.
This year, the EU took a leading role in regulating this revolutionary technology by introducing the AI Act, the first global regulation dedicated to AI. Its application will guarantee the security and rights of people and businesses while creating conditions conducive to innovation.
We also used existing laws to create a safer online experience for citizens and protect the integrity of our elections. Under the Digital Services Act, we investigated several online platforms to ensure sufficient action was taken to remove misleading or illegal content, protect people’s data and combat addictive design practices.
Strengthening our defense and security
As the geopolitical situation changes and evolves rapidly, we must be prepared to respond to external threats. In 2024, we appointed a defense commissioner for the first time.
In January, we helped create a new mechanism to boost investment in defense innovation. And in March, to help ensure our defense preparedness, the Commission presented a new strategy and investment program for the European defense industry.
Alongside Ukraine
After more than 1000 days of war, Europe continues to hold on to Ukraine and its inhabitants. In 2024, we provided unprecedented political, financial and humanitarian support to the country and continued to impose sanctions against Russia and other accomplices in the war.
To support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction and its path towards EU membership, we launched this year a new financial instrument worth up to €50 billion, with Ukraine having already received 16 .1 billion euros of this support in 2024.
In June, the EU officially opened accession negotiations with Ukraine, the next step on its path to EU membership.
Help those in need
The heartbreaking images that have emerged from the escalation in the Middle East this year have highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian action. The Commission has intervened to support those caught up in the conflict: we have provided substantial aid to Gaza and Lebanon and provided millions in financial aid to help maintain basic living conditions and keep essential services running .
The mpox epidemic in central and eastern Africa constitutes a public health emergency requiring a global response. To help contain the virus and save lives, the Commission has coordinated the delivery of more than 120,000 vaccines to support the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In addition to vaccines, the Commission has provided humanitarian funding to help the DRC, Burundi and Uganda respond to the outbreak.
Driving prosperity through trade
International trade has contributed significantly to the prosperity we enjoy today in the EU. In 2024, we have reached agreements that will lead us to stronger growth and allow us to strengthen our partnerships around the world.
In May, our trade deal with New Zealand came into force, creating significant opportunities for EU businesses and farmers. And in July, we concluded negotiations with Singapore on a digital trade deal, the first European deal of its kind.
In December, we reached a historic agreement with the Mercosur countries of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The EU-Mercosur agreement will strengthen our competitiveness, help secure and diversify our supply chains and enable EU businesses to grow and reduce costs.
Look ahead
On December 1, 2024, a new Commission took office. President Ursule von der Leyen and her new team of commissioners have already started working to address the challenges we face today and prepare Europe for the future.
During 2025 and beyond, the European Commission will focus on improving Europe’s prosperity and competitiveness, strengthening our defense and security, and continuing to protect our democracy and our social model.
Originally published in The European Times.
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