September is usually a month where agendas are fully booked in Brussels...

This time has been no exception.

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Dear CEMA friends,

The new European Institutions started the engine and as foreseen big announcements were made. European Commission President-elect Ms Ursula von der Leyen unveiled her list of commissioners-designate that in principle will lead the executive body for the next five years. Returning candidates as well as new names will now have to overcome the European Parliament’s scrutiny in the 'hearings' before the Commission gets confirmed as a whole.

Von der Leyen’s new team looks to be balanced, both in terms of gender and geography. The structure reflects the political coalition between he three main parties and includes three executive Vice-presidents in charge of coordinating key priorities and also serving as  Commissioners. Frans Timmermans (Netherlands) is tasked to rapidly deliver a cross-sectorial European Green Deal including agriculture and will deal with Climate Change. Margrethe Vestager (Denmark) will lead the full transition to an EU’s Digital Single Market, supervise the Industrial strategy and deal with Competition. Valdis Dombrovskis (Latvia) will be responsible for Europe’s unique social market economy and look after the portfolio of Financial Services. Vice-Presidents and Commissioners designate complete the 28 strong team.

As regards the agricultural policy, commissioner-designate is Janusz Wojciechowski from Poland. On her letter of mission, von der Leyen clearly tasks Mr Wojciechowski to ensure that the agricultural sector continues to deliver on its enduring commitments while supporting it to adapt to changes in climate, demographics and technologies”. CEMA welcomes and fully support this statement to which the agricultural machinery will contribute providing the best adapted technology aiming at enhancing a more sustainable farming in Europe. Phil Hogan – the current agriculture’s commissioner - is moving to deal with Trade issues, another key area in the light of post-Brexit negotiations and global challenges. The portfolios of commissioner-designate Sylvie Goulard as well as commissioner- designate Mariya Gabriel are also of significant importance to CEMA, dealing notably with the single market, industry, digitalisation and research and innovation. Find here the Mission Letters to all commissioner-designates. 

On the Parliament’s side, CEMA - in its role of representative of the European Agricultural Machinery Industry – has met several MEP offices in order to introduce our industry and get a first-hand understanding on how the next EU developments could support the leadership of our sector in Europe and beyond.

Finally, I take the chance to invite you all to join the dinner debate “Agriculture & Construction Equipment - European industries boosting a sustainable future for all” that CEMA, CECE and the European Forum for Manufacturing are organising on 15 of October 2019 in the European Parliament. Hosted by MEP Maria da Graça Carvalho and with keynote speakers from DG Trade and the Finnish Presidency, this is the opportunity to get-to-know our businesses, our position in the EU and address main challenges lying ahead. Come and share your views!

Regards,

Jerome Bandry

CEMA Secretary General