# Official Journal C 451I/2020

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
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| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 451I |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6329 December 2020 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 451I

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6329 December 2020

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| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | JOINT DECLARATIONS |
| | Council |
| 2020/C 451 I/01 | Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission EU Legislative Priorities for 2021 | 1 |
| 2021/C 451 I/02 | Joint Conclusions of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on Policy Objectives and Priorities for 2020-2024 | 4 |

Contents

page

II   Information

JOINT DECLARATIONS

Council

2020/C 451 I/01

Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission EU Legislative Priorities for 2021

1

2021/C 451 I/02

Joint Conclusions of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on Policy Objectives and Priorities for 2020-2024

4

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| EN | |
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EN

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II Information

JOINT DECLARATIONS

Council

| 29.12.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CI 451/1 |
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29.12.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CI 451/1

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Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission

EU Legislative Priorities for 2021

(2020/C 451 I/01)

In the wake of an unprecedented pandemic, the Union and its citizens have proven themselves resilient. However, the recent resurgence of the coronavirus across Europe shows the overwhelming need for the Member States and the EU institutions to continue acting with care, solidarity, caution and coordination in managing and overcoming the crisis. Where urgent legislative changes were needed to protect lives and livelihoods, Europe showed the resolution and competence to quickly act in the spirit of real European solidarity. The EU has also taken massive action to counter the socio-economic effects of the pandemic, with the adoption of a Multiannual Financial Framework amounting for EUR 1,074 trillion and a recovery fund ‘NextGenerationEU’ of EUR 750 billion. The Commission will pursue its efforts to ensure widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines to all in need.

The strategic priorities that were set out by the EU institutions at the beginning of this mandate – a healthier, greener, more digital, fairer and social Europe, which does not leave anyone behind – will continue to guide our decisions and actions and make our societies and economies even more resilient. We remain committed to implementing these priorities, strengthening the European identity and using the full potential that the Treaties offer.

This Joint Declaration for 2021, which draws on the Commission work programme for the year ahead, demonstrates our common determination to deliver the practical changes desired by European citizens. It is now time to move from strategy to implementation. The Joint Declaration draws political attention to key legislative proposals (1) that either have already been presented by the European Commission or will be by the autumn of 2021. The three Institutions will use their best endeavours to ensure as much progress can be made by the end of the year. They recall the positive contribution of impact assessments in improving the quality of Union legislation and that initiatives with significant economic, environmental and social impacts included in the Joint Declaration will, as a general rule, be accompanied by an impact assessment.

The three Institutions agree to give the utmost priority to the following initiatives, in order to achieve as much as possible by the end of 2021 and to set the building blocks for Europe’s transformation, recovery and future resilience:

| 1. | To implement the European Green Deal, ensuring the climate transition is just and that nobody is left behind, enabling the EU to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and ensure ambitious progress towards that goal by 2030, preserve bio-diversity, reversing deforestation, making mobility smarter and more sustainable and securing our natural resources; |
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1.

To implement the European Green Deal, ensuring the climate transition is just and that nobody is left behind, enabling the EU to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and ensure ambitious progress towards that goal by 2030, preserve bio-diversity, reversing deforestation, making mobility smarter and more sustainable and securing our natural resources;

| 2. | To shape Europe’s Digital Decade, we will work to create a truly functioning single market for digital services within safe and ethical boundaries, devising a framework for trustworthy artificial intelligence, developing European leadership with digital targets for 2030 and a vibrant data economy, developing an EU-wide framework for secure public electronic identification, strengthen privacy in electronic communications and develop the EU’s cybersecurity competences and resilience, notably in finance, while pursuing fair digital taxation; we will continue to push forward digitisation notably with regard to education, training and health as well as to Europe’s digital sovereignty and innovative capacity; |
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To shape Europe’s Digital Decade, we will work to create a truly functioning single market for digital services within safe and ethical boundaries, devising a framework for trustworthy artificial intelligence, developing European leadership with digital targets for 2030 and a vibrant data economy, developing an EU-wide framework for secure public electronic identification, strengthen privacy in electronic communications and develop the EU’s cybersecurity competences and resilience, notably in finance, while pursuing fair digital taxation; we will continue to push forward digitisation notably with regard to education, training and health as well as to Europe’s digital sovereignty and innovative capacity;

| 3. | To deliver an Economy that works for people, ensuring that the recovery reaches the whole society, by deepening the single market and strengthening our industries, striving for more social fairness and prosperity, mitigate the negative consequences of the crisis for vulnerable social groups, renew our commitment to a vibrant and economically strong cultural sector. At the same time, deepen the Economic and Monetary Union, strengthen the resilience and sustainability of Europe’s banks and capital markets, ensure more transparency on the taxation of multinational businesses; and ensure fair competition within the EU and on the global stage; |
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3.

To deliver an Economy that works for people, ensuring that the recovery reaches the whole society, by deepening the single market and strengthening our industries, striving for more social fairness and prosperity, mitigate the negative consequences of the crisis for vulnerable social groups, renew our commitment to a vibrant and economically strong cultural sector. At the same time, deepen the Economic and Monetary Union, strengthen the resilience and sustainability of Europe’s banks and capital markets, ensure more transparency on the taxation of multinational businesses; and ensure fair competition within the EU and on the global stage;

| 4. | To make Europe stronger in the world, we will strengthen Europe’s brand of responsible leadership globally and strong partnership; we also stand ready to give a strong renewed impetus to our transatlantic relations. We promote international trade rules that are properly enforced and provide for a level playing field; |
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To make Europe stronger in the world, we will strengthen Europe’s brand of responsible leadership globally and strong partnership; we also stand ready to give a strong renewed impetus to our transatlantic relations. We promote international trade rules that are properly enforced and provide for a level playing field;

| 5. | To promote a free and safe Europe, we will work to agree on a new pact on asylum and migration, to ensure migration is addressed in a comprehensive way, and the effective control of our external borders; protect free movement through strengthening the Schengen framework; enhance Europe’s response to health crises. We will act decisively to prevent the spread of terrorist content and child sexual abuse online; |
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To promote a free and safe Europe, we will work to agree on a new pact on asylum and migration, to ensure migration is addressed in a comprehensive way, and the effective control of our external borders; protect free movement through strengthening the Schengen framework; enhance Europe’s response to health crises. We will act decisively to prevent the spread of terrorist content and child sexual abuse online;

| 6. | To protect and strengthen our democracy and defend our common European values, we will continue strengthening the EU’s capacity to uphold and protect the rule of law and fundamental rights and freedoms and protecting citizens against emerging threats and crimes. We will improve the rules on European political parties and foundations, as well as on political advertising. We will ensure greater cooperation in gathering evidence in criminal proceedings and take new steps to pursue equality for men and women in the workplace. |
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6.

To protect and strengthen our democracy and defend our common European values, we will continue strengthening the EU’s capacity to uphold and protect the rule of law and fundamental rights and freedoms and protecting citizens against emerging threats and crimes. We will improve the rules on European political parties and foundations, as well as on political advertising. We will ensure greater cooperation in gathering evidence in criminal proceedings and take new steps to pursue equality for men and women in the workplace.

Further, we recall our commitment:

| — | To the implementation of the roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources; |
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To the implementation of the roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources;

| — | To work for a Europe free from discrimination, with equal rights and opportunities for all; |
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To work for a Europe free from discrimination, with equal rights and opportunities for all;

| — | To pursue reinvigorated enlargement and neighbourhood policies and a comprehensive strategy with Africa; |
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To pursue reinvigorated enlargement and neighbourhood policies and a comprehensive strategy with Africa;

| — | To tackle money laundering and the financing of terrorism, tax fraud, evasion and avoidance as well as ensuring a sound and fair tax system; |
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To tackle money laundering and the financing of terrorism, tax fraud, evasion and avoidance as well as ensuring a sound and fair tax system;

| — | To engage with citizens so they have a greater say on the future of Europe including via the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe. |
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To engage with citizens so they have a greater say on the future of Europe including via the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe.

The three Institutions will work together on all pending proposals, guided by the principles of European added-value, subsidiarity and proportionality. We will continue moving forward with resolution and competence so that Europe can deliver for its citizens when and where it matters most.

We are committed to the proper implementation and enforcement of existing legislation.

We, as Presidents of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission, will regularly monitor the timely and efficient implementation of this Joint Declaration.

Done at Brussels on the tenth day of December in the year two thousand and twenty.

For the European Parliament

The President

Image 1

David SASSOLI

For the Council of the European Union

The President

Image 2

Angela MERKEL

For the European Commission

The President

Image 3

Ursula von der LEYEN

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(1)  Under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure

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| 29.12.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CI 451/4 |
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29.12.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CI 451/4

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Joint Conclusions of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on

Policy Objectives and Priorities for 2020-2024

(2021/C 451 I/02)

For the legislative term until 2024, the three Institutions agree to deliver an ambitious political and legislative agenda for recovery and renewed vitality. This is a positive agenda for a more resilient Union striving to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic while seizing the opportunities of the twin climate and digital transformations and enhancing Europe’s open strategic autonomy. To set the Union and its partners on the road to recovery and prepare for these transitions, we will prioritise the following objectives over the next four years:

| 1. | We will spare no effort to ensure a full
  recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that leaves no one behind. We will continue to protect lives and livelihoods, support medical staff and ensure the availability of medical goods within the EU and abroad, and prioritise the development and worldwide deployment of a vaccine. We will continue to concentrate our efforts on measures to alleviate the effects of the economic crisis. We will use our ambitious multiannual budget, reinforced by NextGenerationEU, to power the recovery and shape the economy of tomorrow while implementing the roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources. We will deepen the single market to underpin a strong recovery and forge a more competitive, more sustainable Europe. We will address the lessons from the health crisis and the vulnerabilities it exposed, with more ambitious cooperation on health and civil protection, building a European Health Union, while respecting national competences. |
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1.

We will spare no effort to ensure a full
  recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that leaves no one behind. We will continue to protect lives and livelihoods, support medical staff and ensure the availability of medical goods within the EU and abroad, and prioritise the development and worldwide deployment of a vaccine. We will continue to concentrate our efforts on measures to alleviate the effects of the economic crisis. We will use our ambitious multiannual budget, reinforced by NextGenerationEU, to power the recovery and shape the economy of tomorrow while implementing the roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources. We will deepen the single market to underpin a strong recovery and forge a more competitive, more sustainable Europe. We will address the lessons from the health crisis and the vulnerabilities it exposed, with more ambitious cooperation on health and civil protection, building a European Health Union, while respecting national competences.

| 2. | Beyond managing the pandemic in a coordinated way, we will step up our work to build the Union of tomorrow. For this, we will prioritise actions that accelerate transition to a fairer, healthier, greener and more digital society in the EU and on the global stage. We will boost our research and development as well as our innovation capacity to accelerate the green and digital transitions, particularly in key areas such as the energy sector, high-performance computing and trustworthy artificial intelligence. |
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Beyond managing the pandemic in a coordinated way, we will step up our work to build the Union of tomorrow. For this, we will prioritise actions that accelerate transition to a fairer, healthier, greener and more digital society in the EU and on the global stage. We will boost our research and development as well as our innovation capacity to accelerate the green and digital transitions, particularly in key areas such as the energy sector, high-performance computing and trustworthy artificial intelligence.

| 3. | The EU’s global leadership in fighting climate change remains a key priority as drastic reductions in emissions and more efficient use of resources in all sectors of the economy have become an urgent imperative. At the same time, the green transition brings vast opportunities for economic growth and job creation, while improving our resilience to climate change. In the coming four years, we will pursue our goals of climate-neutrality by 2050, of a socially fair transition to a competitive, sustainable, circular economy, of protecting biodiversity, and of implementing the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals. |
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The EU’s global leadership in fighting climate change remains a key priority as drastic reductions in emissions and more efficient use of resources in all sectors of the economy have become an urgent imperative. At the same time, the green transition brings vast opportunities for economic growth and job creation, while improving our resilience to climate change. In the coming four years, we will pursue our goals of climate-neutrality by 2050, of a socially fair transition to a competitive, sustainable, circular economy, of protecting biodiversity, and of implementing the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

| 4. | The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated hyper-connectivity and the integration of new technologies that shape the way we live and transform how we learn, work, socialise and consume. The crisis also exposed the vulnerabilities Europe is facing - ranging from cyber security to capacity issues and insufficient broadband infrastructure in many regions. To bolster our place in the global economy and defend our values, we will shape our own digital solutions and establish Europe’s digital sovereignty. Our efforts need to focus simultaneously on access to and protection of data, the development of innovative technology and upgrading our infrastructure. To use the current momentum and set Europe on an ambitious path towards further digitalisation, we will define clear digital targets for 2030 and work jointly towards their realisation. The economic effects of the crisis and the speed of recovery will not be the same for all groups in society and every EU region. The crisis has increased unemployment, particularly for young people and women working in vulnerable types of employment. This is why we will adopt measures to implement further the European Pillar of Social Rights, notably to safeguard workers’ rights in the digital economy, provide equal opportunities for all, develop a framework for adequate minimum wages, and make pay more transparent. |
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4.

The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated hyper-connectivity and the integration of new technologies that shape the way we live and transform how we learn, work, socialise and consume. The crisis also exposed the vulnerabilities Europe is facing - ranging from cyber security to capacity issues and insufficient broadband infrastructure in many regions. To bolster our place in the global economy and defend our values, we will shape our own digital solutions and establish Europe’s digital sovereignty. Our efforts need to focus simultaneously on access to and protection of data, the development of innovative technology and upgrading our infrastructure. To use the current momentum and set Europe on an ambitious path towards further digitalisation, we will define clear digital targets for 2030 and work jointly towards their realisation. The economic effects of the crisis and the speed of recovery will not be the same for all groups in society and every EU region. The crisis has increased unemployment, particularly for young people and women working in vulnerable types of employment. This is why we will adopt measures to implement further the European Pillar of Social Rights, notably to safeguard workers’ rights in the digital economy, provide equal opportunities for all, develop a framework for adequate minimum wages, and make pay more transparent.

| 5. | To make our economy more resilient and robust, we will further strengthen its foundations. We will ensure free movement through the proper functioning of the Schengen Area, enforce, deepen and revitalise the single market, support national reform and investment programmes, and incentivise private investments to kick-start the economy. We will pursue an ambitious European industrial policy to make our industry more sustainable, green, globally competitive and more resilient. We need to strengthen our single currency, ensure greater financial stability and protect ourselves against financial crimes, tax fraud, evasion and avoidance, and money laundering. European businesses and people need to be protected against unfair competition from abroad. To achieve this, we will introduce an appropriate set of actions on taxation and address the distortive effects that certain foreign subsidies have on our single market. To avoid supply shortages and dependencies for goods that are crucial for the safety of our citizens or for the functioning of our economy, we will identify strategic dependencies and take action to reduce them. We will strengthen our open strategic autonomy and resilience and maintain our steadfast commitment to open and rules-based trade. |
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5.

To make our economy more resilient and robust, we will further strengthen its foundations. We will ensure free movement through the proper functioning of the Schengen Area, enforce, deepen and revitalise the single market, support national reform and investment programmes, and incentivise private investments to kick-start the economy. We will pursue an ambitious European industrial policy to make our industry more sustainable, green, globally competitive and more resilient. We need to strengthen our single currency, ensure greater financial stability and protect ourselves against financial crimes, tax fraud, evasion and avoidance, and money laundering. European businesses and people need to be protected against unfair competition from abroad. To achieve this, we will introduce an appropriate set of actions on taxation and address the distortive effects that certain foreign subsidies have on our single market. To avoid supply shortages and dependencies for goods that are crucial for the safety of our citizens or for the functioning of our economy, we will identify strategic dependencies and take action to reduce them. We will strengthen our open strategic autonomy and resilience and maintain our steadfast commitment to open and rules-based trade.

| 6. | Attempts by authoritarian regimes to spread misleading narratives on the COVID-19 pandemic and undermine our democratic societies are on the rise. The future of our Union will depend on our capacity to defend our common values and strengthen our democratic model. We are firmly committed to the principle of the rule of law on which our democratic system is based. We will act decisively to guarantee the security of Europeans. We will also strengthen our common capacity to respond to terrorism and hybrid threats, emerging and existing cross-sectorial, cross-border and hybrid threats and crimes. People are the beating heart of our democracy. We will address the pressing societal issues related to demographic change. We will continue to defend the respect for fundamental rights and non-discrimination at home and abroad. We will fight racism and work for a Union of equality with equal rights and opportunities for all. We will finalise our work on a comprehensive reform of our migration and asylum system to ensure an efficient and humane approach and equip us with the tools to face future challenges. |
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6.

Attempts by authoritarian regimes to spread misleading narratives on the COVID-19 pandemic and undermine our democratic societies are on the rise. The future of our Union will depend on our capacity to defend our common values and strengthen our democratic model. We are firmly committed to the principle of the rule of law on which our democratic system is based. We will act decisively to guarantee the security of Europeans. We will also strengthen our common capacity to respond to terrorism and hybrid threats, emerging and existing cross-sectorial, cross-border and hybrid threats and crimes. People are the beating heart of our democracy. We will address the pressing societal issues related to demographic change. We will continue to defend the respect for fundamental rights and non-discrimination at home and abroad. We will fight racism and work for a Union of equality with equal rights and opportunities for all. We will finalise our work on a comprehensive reform of our migration and asylum system to ensure an efficient and humane approach and equip us with the tools to face future challenges.

| 7. | We will strengthen the EU’s role as a global actor: cooperation is essential to influence the global developments shaping our future and to sustain the health of our planet. This is why we will promote and reform the rules-based, multilateral global order. We will work closely with our strategic partners and like-minded countries, in particular with the new US administration, to achieve these objectives. We will pursue a reinvigorated enlargement policy, pay particular attention to our partners in the Eastern and Southern Neighbourhood and promote a vibrant partnership with Africa. We will improve our defence capabilities for a stronger Europe as part of a stronger transatlantic alliance. We will work for a strong WTO and a level playing field, while ensuring our capacity to react to unfair practices and a lack of reciprocity. |
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7.

We will strengthen the EU’s role as a global actor: cooperation is essential to influence the global developments shaping our future and to sustain the health of our planet. This is why we will promote and reform the rules-based, multilateral global order. We will work closely with our strategic partners and like-minded countries, in particular with the new US administration, to achieve these objectives. We will pursue a reinvigorated enlargement policy, pay particular attention to our partners in the Eastern and Southern Neighbourhood and promote a vibrant partnership with Africa. We will improve our defence capabilities for a stronger Europe as part of a stronger transatlantic alliance. We will work for a strong WTO and a level playing field, while ensuring our capacity to react to unfair practices and a lack of reciprocity.

These policy objectives and priorities will inspire and guide our action in the coming years. We will embed strategic foresight in our policymaking to understand better the future effects of today’s policy choices, to succeed with the green and digital transitions and to enhance our ability to influence global developments. We will work together so as to deliver for our citizens. In this regard, we will provide avenues to make their voices heard in EU policymaking, including through the Conference on the Future of Europe. We will be guided by the principles of European added-value, subsidiarity and proportionality and using the full potential that the Treaties offer.

Done at Brussels on the tenth day of December in the year two thousand and twenty.

For the European Parliament

The President

Image 4

David SASSOLI

For the Council of the European Union

The President

Image 5

Angela MERKEL

For the European Commission

The President

Image 6

Ursula von der LEYEN

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