The EU sets a number of priorities that shape the political and policy agenda within a certain period. The current period ends in 2024. The defined priorities serve to address the main chal-lenges faced by the EU and EU nationals. The priorities derive from a dialogue between EU leaders, national ministers, EU institutions and the political groups elected to the European Parliament.
In its 2019-2024 strategic agenda, the European Council set out 4 priority areas:
• Protecting citizens and freedoms
Ensuring effective control of the EU’s external borders and further developing a comprehen-sive migration policy. Fighting terrorism and cross-border/online crime, increasing the EU’s resilience against both natural and man-made disasters.
• Developing a strong and vibrant economic base
Building a resilient economy by deepening the Economic and Monetary Union to ensure that Europe is better prepared for future shocks, completing the banking and capital markets union, strengthening the international role of the euro, investing in skills and education, supporting Europe’s businesses, embracing digital transformation, and developing a robust industrial poli-cy.
• Building a climate-neutral, green, fair and social Europe
Investing in green initiatives that improve air and water quality, promote sustainable agricul-ture and preserve environmental systems and biodiversity. Creating an effective circular econ-omy (where products are designed to be more durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable and energy-efficient) and a well-functioning EU energy market that provides sustainable, secure and affordable energy. A faster transition to renewables and energy efficiency, while reducing the EU’s dependency on outside energy sources. Implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights.
• Promoting European interests and values on the global stage
Building a robust foreign policy based on an ambitious neighbourhood policy with 16 of its closest eastern and southern neighbours and a comprehensive partnership with Africa. Promot-ing global peace, stability, democracy and human rights. Ensuring a robust trade policy in line with multilateralism and the global rules-based international order. Taking greater responsibil-ity for security and defence, while cooperating closely with NATO.
In addition, The European Commission is also determining political priorities for its 5-year mandate. The currents priorities (2019-2024) are derived from the Council’s strategic agenda and recognize the six priorities: A European Green Deal, A Europe fit for the digital age, An economy that works for people (Strengthening the EU economy while securing jobs and reducing inequalities, supporting businesses, deepening the Economic and Monetary Un-ion and completing the banking and capital markets union), A stronger Europe in the world, Promoting our European way of life (Upholding fundamental rights and the rule of law as a bastion of equality, tolerance and social fairness), A new push for European democracy (Strengthening Europe’s democratic processes by deepening relations with the European Par-liament and national parliaments, protecting EU democracy from external interference, ensur-ing transparency and integrity throughout the legislative process, as well as engaging more widely with Europeans in shaping the EU’s future).
Conclusion
The driving force behind the formation of the EU, the earliest and the most influential of all existing integration schemes, was the political unity of Europe with the aim of realizing peace in the continent. The EU has experienced a very inspiring processes of integration deepening and EU enlargement. The functioning of the EU is made by an efficient EU institutional framework. Its role is to guide the development of the EU Member States, to react to ongoing challenges by defining the strategical priorities.
The EU legal system is of great importance for doing business in the EU. Thanks to the har-monization of the laws of the member states, the conditions for doing business in individual member states are similar in many areas. EU law significantly simplifies doing business abroad and saves costs for entrepreneurs. At the same time, the EU has created a system that guaran-tees the protection of the rights of EU citizens and entrepreneurs throughout the Union.