Valérie Hayer, the head of the majority party in the European elections, presented a comprehensive program with 48 propositions on May 6th. The program reflected the seriousness of the current situation in Europe, echoing President Emmanuel Macron’s recent speech at the Sorbonne where he warned that “our Europe is mortal, it can die.” The team emphasized the need to prevent the death of Europe, with a particular focus on defense and security given the situation in Ukraine and the potential for a US military disengagement under a future President Donald Trump. One of the key proposals is the creation of a fund to support European defense industries, with a goal of raising 100 billion euros through an EU-wide initiative.
The program also highlighted the economic threats faced by the European Union, with some partners only interested in power dynamics and other forces trying to divide and fragment the region. To address this, the Renew Group in the European Parliament, which includes members of the majority party, suggested setting up a “European trade shield” with a sanitary branch similar to the EU’s border and coast guard agency, Frontex. This branch would be responsible for ensuring that trade partners adhere to environmental and health standards, protecting the interests of the EU member states.
In addition to defense and economic challenges, the campaign team emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity within the EU to address external threats. They stressed the need for a common European defense strategy to achieve strategic autonomy and deter potential aggressors. The goal is to increase each member state’s military budget to 2% of its GDP by 2025 and 3% by 2030, demonstrating a commitment to strengthening the EU’s security and defense capabilities in the face of evolving threats.
The team’s proposals aim to reinvigorate the EU and reinforce its place on the global stage, recognizing the need for a coordinated response to external pressures. By focusing on defense, security, and economic resilience, they seek to position the EU as a strong and unified entity capable of defending its interests and values. The emphasis on cooperation and solidarity reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding the future of Europe and ensuring its continued relevance and influence in the international arena.
The campaign for the European elections is characterized by a sense of urgency and determination, with a clear focus on addressing the complex challenges facing the EU. By presenting a detailed program with concrete proposals, the team led by Valérie Hayer aims to inspire confidence and mobilize support for their vision of a strong and resilient Europe. The emphasis on strategic autonomy, defense capabilities, and economic stability reflects a proactive approach to shaping the future of the EU and ensuring its ability to navigate uncertain times with strength and unity.
