What she promised, what it means and what she will actually deliver – POLITICO

Why now? Because defense will be a key topic in the new legislative term, von der Leyen has chosen a defense commissioner who will focus on how to strengthen the arms industry. The idea is to work from the bottom up: there is no point in having a controversial debate on the EU army if the bloc cannot produce enough ammunition or missiles.

What are the key battles? The most important is financing. Countries such as France and Poland are pushing for defense bonds, which Germany and the Netherlands have strongly opposed. Diplomats say France’s position could become more vulnerable if Kamala Harris wins the U.S. election, because it could strengthen the view of opponents of bonds who argue that Europe does not need to pool resources to buy weapons. But there are other options, such as using the EU budget. There are also other issues, such as whether the money should go exclusively to EU arms companies.

Could this have any significance? That’s because regardless of the scenario — if Harris wins, or even if there’s a sudden peace deal in Ukraine — EU defense integration is likely to move forward because the Russian threat won’t go away and the U.S. will be more focused on the Pacific. “The train has already left,” said a 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, examining how to ensure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of our agricultural sector within the boundaries of our planet. In this context, it is crucial that farmers have a fair and sufficient income. They should not be forced to systematically sell their produce below the cost of production. I will always defend the EU’s income policy for European farmers and ensure that the EU budget and our Common Agricultural Policy are targeted and find the right balance between incentives, investments and regulation.”

What does that actually mean? Amid the wave of anti-tractor protests earlier this year, the EU chief convened 29 organisations involved in the agri-food sector, and often with opposing views on it, 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.