Eyes turn to Europe for State of the European Union Address

SKIP TO CONTENT
Search

Eyes turn to Europe for State of the European Union Address

The State of the European Union address has set the scene for Europe’s green economy deal - on which climate activist Greta Thunberg has been vocal - and stronger ties with Australia.

While trade is a key focus of Australia’s relationship with Europe, this year’s State of the European Union address has raised other areas worthy of attention, the EU Centre of Excellence Director, Professor Bruce Wilson, says.

A confident and cohesive European Union was on display from European Commission President, Ursula Von Der Leyen, with her recent address promoting a rules-based approach to international relations.

“Australia has much to gain politically as well as economically from a confident and prosperous Europe, with the imminent trade deal agreement foremost among these, Wilson notes.

“The agreement is likely to be ambitious in its objective of enhancing the partnership between the EU and Australia and provide a foundation for strengthening other areas of cooperation under the terms of the Framework Agreement.

“The Australian Government is looking particularly to Europe in the global effort to contain the effects of COVID-19 and to develop viable vaccines.”

This, and Australia’s ongoing trade agreement talks have all strengthened the increasingly close interests Australia shares with the EU, he says.

Sign with Greta

The Centre’s Dr Chloe Ward contends Ursula Von Der Leyen has used the State of the Union Address to bring Europe’s focus back to her pre-COVID agenda.

“Von Der Leyen started her Presidency by announcing plans for a European Green Deal, which would stake Europe’s claim to be a global leader on climate action,” she says.

This started with a ‘European Climate Law’ legislating Europe’s ambition for a climate-neutral continent by 2050, before it was quickly overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

”We all remember the images of overcrowded hospitals in Spain and Italy, which were two of the hardest-hit countries early in the pandemic,” she says.

“COVID-19 has devastated economic activity in Europe, and tested solidarity between European nations, too.”

Since then, Von Der Leyen has tried to put a ‘green economy’ at the centre of Europe’s multi-billion Euro recovery fund, but not without opposition.

“At the height of the pandemic, coal dependent nations like Poland and the Czech Republic called on the EU to scale back its climate targets,” she says.

“On the other hand, environmental NGOs and activists—Greta Thunberg is one—are calling for carbon neutrality by 2040, not 2050.”

Ward is co-host of RMIT’s Barely Gettin’ By podcast, with season three launching on Thursday.

 

Story: Diana Robertson

19 September 2020

Share

19 September 2020

Share

  • Society
  • RMIT Europe
Engage

Related News

Digital inclusion report warns of COVID impact

The 2020 Australian Digital Inclusion Index, published today, shows a high level of digital inequality persists in Australia with many groups continuing to miss out on the benefits of being online.

Australia’s Indigenous languages must be revitalised

Australia is home to the world’s oldest living culture, yet our Indigenous languages are critically endangered. The complex work of recovery and revitalisation is crucial.

That advice to women to ‘lean in’, be more confident… it doesn’t help, and data show it

Confidence matters for men's job promotion prospects. But for women, it's a different story.

Toolkit prepares Australians for bushfire season

RMIT Activator start-up, FireThrive, has drawn on attitudinal data to develop a toolkit to better-prepare Australians for future bushfire seasons.

Show more
Subscribe to RMIT NewsSubscribe
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business. - Artwork created by Louisa Bloomer

More information