Even after the departure of Eurocommissioner Frans Timmermans, the European Green Deal remains the center of the European Commission's policy. EC President Ursula von der Leyen underlined this this week in her 'State of the Union' speech.
Von der Leyen spoke of a 'boiling planet' leading to extreme temperatures, droughts, storms and forest fires. “The European Green Deal was born from the need to protect the planet, but also designed as an opportunity to preserve future prosperity. We have shifted the climate agenda to an economic agenda.”
She spoke out in favor of biodiversity and nature conservation, but also for food security thanks to strong and sustainable agriculture. The role that farmers play in Europe's independence in the field of food supply is not self-evident, the chairman said. The Russian war in Ukraine, among other things, shows this. That is why she wants to start a strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture in the EU.
In addition, innovation and the competitiveness of European industry remain an important point of focus. “It is necessary for the economy and national security to maintain a European lead in critical and emerging technologies. This European industrial policy also requires common European financing.”
Von der Leyen's full speech can be found on the European Commission website.
Photo: EC – Audiovisual Service, Photographer Christophe Licoppe
Source: Agro-Chemistry
