In her political guidelines of 18 July 2024, Ursula von der Leyen, candidate for a second term of European Commission President, set out her priorities for the next European Commission for the years 2024 to 2029. Under the motto “Europe’s choice”, the guidelines emphasise the European Union's choice to unite its societies and values, to ensure democratic values, to face new realities, and to be bold and ambitious. They outline the EU's priorities together with ideas and proposals on how to achieve them.

According to the guidelines, in order to face the new era of European Defence and Security, the European Defence Union will be brought to life, the Union's preparedness will be enhanced, common borders will be strengthened, and fair and firm stands on migration will be taken to achieve a safer and more secure Europe. To accomplish the latter, the guidelines underline the need for the following measures in the field of cooperation in criminal matters:

• Fighting organised crime and dismantling high-risk criminal networks and their ringleaders;
• Proposing a new Internal Security Strategy to ensure that security is integrated in EU legislation and policies by design;
• Providing law enforcement with adequate and up-to-date tools for lawful access to digital information, while safeguarding fundamental rights;
• Further developing Europol into a truly operational police agency;
• Reflecting on areas in which the European Public Prosecutors’ Office will need more powers;
• Strengthening the impact of the European Arrest Warrant;
• Putting forward a European action plan against drug trafficking;
• Supporting a wider EU Port Strategy focusing on security, competitiveness, and economic independence as well as building on the work of the European Ports Alliance;
• Drafting a new Counter-Terrorism Agenda to address new and emerging threats;
• Developing a new European Critical Communication System to be used by public authorities in charge of security and safety.

Looking at ideas on how to support citizens as well as strengthen the EU’s societies and social model, the guidelines support social fairness in the modern economy, reuniting the EU’s societies, supporting young people, and striving for a Union of equality.

The guidelines also address ways to sustain the quality of life, food security, water, and nature. They prioritise protecting Europe’s democracy, upholding its values, and strengthening the rule of law for citzens. From a global perspective, Europe is called on to leverage its power and partnerships, further its enlargement, and find a more strategic approach to its neighbourhood. Importantly, a new approach for a modern and reinforced EU budget has been suggested to make the new, long-term budget more focused, simpler, and impactful.

The guidelines conclude with the express requirement to take measures to strengthen the partnership between the European Commission and the European Parliament. In sum, they underline the need for a team effort on the part of all institutions and Member States to deliver the programme together and prepare the Union for the future. Von der Leyen sees the need for an ambitious reform agenda to achieve the aims set out in the guidelines.