The N-VA wants the new European Commission to focus on security, prosperity and competitiveness

The European Parliament approved the “von der Leyen II” Commission today. The new European Commission will have to steer the EU through numerous urgent challenges and restore confidence among citizens and businesses. The N-VA delegation gives the new leadership the benefit of the doubt.

For the N-VA delegation, the prosperity and security of citizens and the Competitiveness The extent to which companies in one country can compete with similar companies in another country. A law came into force in Belgium in 1996 to monitor competitiveness. This stipulates that Belgian salaries may not evolve faster than the average of those in the three neighbouring countries. The Central Economic Council (CEC) performs an annual measurement to see if the objectives have been obtained. competitiveness of businesses must come first. “In turbulent geopolitical waters, it is important to maintain a stable course. The new European Commission places more emphasis than in the previous term on competitiveness, reducing regulatory burdens, investments, security and defence,” notes the head of the N-VA delegation Johan Van Overtveldt.

“We are hopeful about these intentions, but we will closely watch how they are realised. The European Union cannot afford to pursue the same old policies at this point. The international and economic context has changed dramatically in just a few years. It is time to set priorities and take action.”

Migration and security

“I appreciate that Commission President von der Leyen wants to work on migration policy by tackling illegal migration on the one hand and by giving our companies the opportunity to attract talent on the other. We must dare to choose our values and standards, not allow Sharia practices and not give money to organisations with bad intentions,” says MEP Assita Kanko. “Voters want us to put our migration policy in order and work on good return laws.”

Additional attention must also be paid to the fight against anti-Semitism so that Jewish children can go to school safely. Furthermore, the EU must improve police and judicial cooperation, tackle organised crime and protect the ports from drug-related crime.

Feasible and affordable energy policy

After the damage caused by the Green Deal, it is high time for responsible policies that support citizens and businesses instead of stifling them with bureaucratic red tape and additional financial burdens. “We will continue to ensure that our citizens and businesses have a feasible and affordable energy policy,” says Kris van Dijck, who is on the European Parliament’s Committee on Energy. “For example, nuclear energy is and will remain crucial for our Flemish industry and our energy independence. It also ensures a healthy balance between our climate ambitions and our competitiveness.”

Reassessment of expenditure

The EU must dare to make budgetary and economic changes. “We must not be afraid of a serious reassessment of expenditure. “The European Union’s budget is too strongly tied to past policy choices that jeopardise the future,” says Van Overtveldt, who is also Chair of the Parliament’s Committee on Budgets.

Competitiveness

There is an urgent need for an “Industrial Deal” to support European competitiveness. The internal market must be completed, and targeted investments in research, development and infrastructure are urgently needed. “In fact, more money is not the solution to every problem. Let’s start now with measures that cost nothing: reducing the European regulatory burden and pruning back stifling reporting obligations,” says Van Dijck.

Geopolitical reality

Europe must align its policies with power politics and proactively claim a stronger geopolitical role. The N-VA considers it essential for the EU to strengthen its strategic position to protect its values and interests. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shook European security to its foundations. Not only was that invasion an attack on a sovereign country, but also on the European values of democracy and the rule of law.

“The time of naive idealism is over,” says Van Overtveldt. “Military, economic and humanitarian support to Ukraine must continue unabated. It is not only a matter of solidarity, but also of strategic importance.” In addition, the EU must urgently scale up its own military-industrial capacity by stimulating investments.

Trade

Relations with China also require a determined approach. While economic cooperation is inevitable, the EU must be aware of the risks of unfair competition and strategic dependence. In an unstable world of rising protectionism, simmering trade conflicts and a World Trade Organization in a coma, free, rules-based trade is in danger of being severely undermined.

“International trade continues to be a lever for peace and stability. With its open economy that relies heavily on exports and generates prosperity and jobs, this is crucial for Flanders,” Van Dijck notes. “That is why we must remain committed to a trade policy that is based on open strategic autonomy, diversifies our supply lines and concludes more ambitious trade and investment agreements.”

In addition, we must not lose the US as an important partner, and European institutions must pay attention to policy regarding Africa.

Democracy

Finally, Van Overtveldt is concerned about the division of powers within the Commission. For example, he sees much overlapping of powers between the different Commissioners, which can lead to conflicts or paralysis. “The latter is precisely what we can do without now. My fear is that this would de facto centralise power in the hands of the President, which would not be a good thing from a democratic point of view,” he concludes.