What She Promises, What It Means, and What She Will Actually Deliver – POLITICO

Why now? Because defense is set to be a major issue for the new legislative term. Von der Leyen has chosen a defense commissioner who is expected to focus on how to boost the defense industry. The idea is to work from the bottom up: there is no point in having a divided debate about an EU army if the bloc cannot produce enough ammunition or missiles.

What are the main battles? The most important is financing. Countries like France and Poland have pushed for defense bonds, an idea strongly opposed by Germany and the Netherlands. Diplomats say France’s position could become more vulnerable if Kamala Harris wins the U.S. election, as it could strengthen the views of bond opponents who say Europe doesn’t need to pool resources to buy weapons. But there are other options, such as using the EU budget. And there are other issues, such as whether the money should go only to EU defense companies.

Will this make a difference? That will be the case, because whatever the scenario — if Harris wins or even if a peace deal suddenly emerges in Ukraine — EU defense integration is expected to continue, as the Russian threat continues and the US shifts its focus to the Pacific. “The train has already left,” said one senior EU diplomat, who, like others in this article, was granted anonymity to speak freely.

— by Jacopo Barigazzi

5. Vision for agriculture and food

What von der Leyen said: “I have convened a Strategic Dialogue on Agriculture which will soon present its report. Building on these recommendations, I will present a Vision for Agriculture and Food in the first 100 days, looking at how we can ensure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of our agricultural sector within the limits of our planet. In this regard, it is vital that farmers have a fair and sufficient income. They must not be forced to systematically sell their produce below the cost of production. I will always defend an EU income policy for Europe’s farmers and ensure that the EU budget and our Common Agricultural Policy are targeted and strike the right balance between incentives, investment and regulation.”

What does this actually mean? Amid a wave of tractor protests earlier this year, the EU chief convened 29 organisations with a stake in, and often opposing views on, the agri-food sector for talks. She then promised to use the results — in the form of a 100-page report with recommendations — as part of her 100-day vision for the future of EU farming.