From climate change to digital disruption, and global conflicts to humanitarian crises, 2024 was a year of significant events.
It was a year of elections across the world, and a chance to reflect on the importance of democracy in turbulent times. In June, millions of people helped to shape Europe’s future by casting their votes in the European elections.
Europe celebrated the 20th anniversary of the biggest enlargement, when 10 countries joined our Union, and transformed it forever. We also welcomed Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen family, paving the way for their citizens to benefit from border-free travel from 2025.
In 2024, the EU faced many challenges and consistently took action to deliver for Europeans and beyond.
Advancing on climate goals
Extreme weather events across the world demonstrated the consequences of climate change and the need for swift action. The EU stayed on track to reach its climate targets, with results that will benefit people and the planet for years to come.
In the first half of 2024, 50% of the EU’s electricity generation came from renewable sources. This trend moves us closer to our climate goals: a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050.
Consumers are now in a better position to contribute to the circular economy and clean transition through new rules which give people better information on a product’s durability, and combat greenwashing and early obsolescence. The nature restoration law will help ecosystems to recover, increase biodiversity and enhance food security. And thanks to new rules on industrial, livestock, and road vehicles emissions and revised rules on air quality, Europeans will benefit from cleaner air, water and soil.
Ensuring fairness for farmers
Farmers spoke, and we listened: we started a new dialogue, bringing together European farmers, the agri-food sector, and rural communities. We heard their perspectives, ambitions, concerns and solutions, so that we can find common ground and create a shared vision for the future of farming in the EU.
In February, we presented actions to simplify and reduce their paperwork. And in December, we proposed new rules to strengthen farmers’ position in the supply chain and combat unfair trading practices.
Responding to crises
The EU stepped up on several occasions to respond to emergencies across Europe this year. We deployed our firefighting fleet to battle wildfires this summer in Cyprus, Greece, Portugal, Albania, and North Macedonia. We also mobilised support for Austria, Czechia, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, Spain, Poland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina when they were struck with devastating floods.
These events confirm the importance of being prepared for when disaster hits. A day after deadly flash floods hit the Valencia region in Spain, Special Advisor Sauli Niinistö presented his landmark report on strengthening Europe’s preparedness, underlining the need for us to adopt a new approach to prepare for future emergencies.
Creating a safer digital space for all
Preparedness also means being ready for disruptive technological change. In 2024, we saw first-hand how important this is, as artificial intelligence became part of our daily lives.
This year, the EU took a leading role in regulating this groundbreaking technology by introducing the AI law, the world’s first dedicated AI regulation. Its application will guarantee the safety and rights of people and businesses while also providing the right conditions for innovation.
We also used existing laws to create a safer online experience for citizens and protect the integrity of our elections. Under the Digital Services Act, we investigated several online platforms to ensure that enough is being done to remove misleading or illegal content, protect people’s data and address addictive design practices.
Bolstering our defence and security
As the geopolitical situation rapidly shifts and evolves, we must be prepared to respond to external threats. In 2024, we appointed for the first time a Commissioner for Defence.
In January, we contributed to the creation of a new facility to boost investment in defence innovation. And in March, to help ensure our defence readiness, the Commission presented a new strategy and investment programme for the European defence industry.
Standing with Ukraine
After more than 1000 days of war, Europe continues to stand firm with Ukraine and its people. In 2024, we provided unprecedented political, financial and humanitarian support to the country, and continued to impose sanctions against Russia and others complicit in the war.
To support Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, and path towards EU accession, this year we launched a new financial instrument worth up to €50 billion, with Ukraine having already received €16.1 billion of this support in 2024.
In June, the EU formally opened accession negotiations with Ukraine, in the next step on its path towards EU membership.
Helping those in need
The harrowing images emerging from the escalation in the Middle East this year underlined the urgent need for humanitarian action. The Commission stepped up to support people caught up in the conflict: we delivered substantial aid to Gaza and Lebanon and provided millions in financial assistance to help maintain basic living conditions and ensure the running of essential services.
The outbreak of mpox in Central and Eastern Africa is a public health emergency requiring a global response. To help contain the virus and save people’s lives, the Commission led the coordination of the delivery of more than 120,000 vaccines to support the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In addition to vaccines, the Commission provided humanitarian funding to help the DRC, Burundi and Uganda respond to the outbreak.
Driving prosperity through trade
International trade has contributed substantially to the prosperity we enjoy in the EU today. In 2024, we reached agreements that will lead us to stronger growth and enable us to strengthen our partnerships around the world.
In May, our trade deal with New Zealand entered into force, creating big opportunities for EU businesses and farmers. And in July, we concluded negotiations with Singapore on a digital trade agreement, the first EU agreement of its kind.
In December, we reached a landmark deal with the Mercosur countries of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The EU-Mercosur agreement will boost our competitiveness, help secure and diversify our supply chains, and will enable EU businesses to grow and reduce costs.
Looking ahead
On 1 December 2024, a new Commission took office. President Ursula von der Leyen and her new team of Commissioners have already began working to address the challenges we face today and prepare Europe for the future.
Over 2025 and beyond, the European Commission will focus on enhancing Europe’s prosperity and competitiveness, strengthening our defence and security, and continuing to protect our democracy and social model.
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