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State of the Union 2018 Summary

Introduction: A Perpetual Responsibility

• The speech begins with a reflection on the importance of European unity and the need to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.
• The author emphasizes that the European Union is a vital force for peace and that it is the responsibility of all Europeans to maintain this peace.
• The Commission is not being judged for past achievements but is focused on future efforts to make the Union more perfect.
• The author calls for a renewed sense of respect and solidarity for the EU, rejecting divisive nationalism and embracing constructive patriotism.

The State of Our Union in 2018

Economic Recovery and Progress

• Europe has experienced 21 consecutive quarters of economic growth since the 2008 financial crisis.
• 12 million new jobs have been created since 2014, with youth unemployment at 14.8%, the lowest since 2000.
• The European Fund for Strategic Investments (Juncker Fund) has mobilized 335 billion euros in public and private investment, with a target of reaching 400 billion.
• Greece has successfully exited its financial program and is now on its own feet, a result of the solidarity and effort of its people and other Europeans.

Trade and Global Influence

• The EU has trade agreements with 70 countries, covering 40% of the world's GDP.
• These agreements help export European values such as food safety, workers' rights, and environmental standards.
• The EU is a significant global trade power and must continue to act with a unified voice in international affairs.

The Hour of European Sovereignty

• The speech argues that Europe must become a more sovereign actor on the global stage.
• European sovereignty is not a replacement for national sovereignty but a reinforcement of it.
• The concept of "Weltpolitikfähigkeit" (capacity to shape global affairs) is introduced as a goal for the Union.
• The author advocates for a stronger and more unified Europe in defense, trade, and diplomacy.

Delivering on Our Promises

Digital and Economic Reforms

• The Commission aims to deliver on promises made at the start of its mandate, including a more innovative Digital Single Market, deeper Economic and Monetary Union, and a fairer Single Market.
• Several proposals have been agreed upon, with others still under discussion.

Security and Migration

• The Commission is working on strengthening the Security Union, including new rules to combat terrorist content online and expanding the European Public Prosecutor's Office.
• Migration reforms are needed, with a focus on solidarity and efficiency. The Commission is proposing a stronger European Border and Coast Guard and improved asylum processing.
• The author emphasizes the need for legal migration pathways and the importance of the Erasmus program for young Europeans.

Relations with Africa

• Africa is seen as the future of Europe, with a projected population of 2.5 billion by 2050.
• The EU aims to build a new partnership with Africa, moving beyond development aid to reciprocal investment and cooperation.
• A new Alliance for Sustainable Investment and Jobs between Europe and Africa is proposed, with the goal of creating 10 million jobs in Africa by 2020.

A Strong Perspective for the Future

• The EU must present a unified and clear vision for the future, especially before the European elections in May 2019 and the EU Leaders' meeting in Sibiu.
• The author stresses the importance of ratifying the EU-Japan partnership agreement and reaching an agreement on the post-2020 EU budget.
• The EU should also focus on increasing the international role of the euro, reducing reliance on the US dollar for energy imports and trade.

Rule of Law and Democracy

• The Commission is committed to defending the rule of law and supporting Article 7 procedures when necessary.
• The author calls for a more coherent and unified European foreign policy, rejecting parallel national diplomacy.
• There is a need to improve the protection of journalists and media freedom, as they are vital to European democracy.

Conclusion

• The speech concludes with a call to unity, emphasizing that Europe must remain strong and active in global affairs.
• The author believes that European democracy must be strengthened, including the Spitzenkandidaten process and transnational lists for the 2024 elections.
• The message is clear: Europe must stand together, embrace its shared values, and work towards a more sovereign and united future.