‘Europe as a Task’

On the second day of the Summer Academy, the theme of ‘Europe as a Task’ served as the guiding principle. Our visit to the European Commission provided us with valuable insights into the inner workings of the EU, particularly within the Commission itself. We were warmly welcomed by the Commission’s visitor center, setting the stage for an enlightening experience. Two distinguished speakers captivated our attention, shedding light on two crucial topics. The first speaker, Marco la Marca, delved into the intricacies of the Functioning of the European Commission, unveiling its essential role. The second speaker, Gerrit De Bethuyne,  enlightened us about ‘the European Semester’ and its significance in shaping European policies.

During his presentation on the functioning of the European Commission, Marco la Marca, a member of the cabinet of EU Commissioner Vice President Dubravka Šuica, emphasized several key points. He highlighted the significance of considering population dynamics when designing policies for the green and digital transition. Drawing a compelling analogy, he likened the EU to a condominium, underscoring the shared responsibilities among its institutions. Intergenerational brain drain, where retirees take valuable knowledge and experience with them, was identified as a crucial issue. La Marca stressed the need to optimize this transition and urged the labor market to adapt to the new demographic reality. Additionally, he emphasized the vital importance of mental health for children, stating, “Mentally healthy children are more likely to become mentally healthy adults.” You can access his presentation here. 

During the event, Gerrit De Bethuyne delivered an insightful intervention on “The role of ‘the European Semester.'” He began by explaining that the EU Semester is a six-month exercise where EU economic policies are discussed with Member States. He described it as “a yearly exercise to coordinate economic, fiscal, employment, and social policy within the European Union.”  De Bethuyne then provided a historical context, highlighting the background of the EU Semester, including its relevance in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. He emphasized the importance of understanding the decision-making model employed in the present and encouraged a forward-looking perspective.  Additionally, De Bethuyne touched upon several key aspects related to the EU Semester, such as the Commission spring package and budgetary surveillance, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, and the Economic Governance Review. These elements play a vital role in shaping economic policies, fostering coordination, and ensuring financial stability within the European Union.  

Overall, De Bethuyne’s intervention shed light on the significance of the EU Semester and its multifaceted approach to economic governance. It provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the framework, its historical context, and its relevance in shaping the future of economic policies within the EU.You can find his presentation here.