The first 100 days of the European Commission, what has happened?

When the new European Commission took place on December 1st, 2024, President Ursula von der Leyen made a promise about what the Commission would achieve in its first 100 days in office. On March 10, 2025, the 100-day period had passed. In the context of this milestone, the President called for Europe to strengthen its defense capabilities and economic competitiveness, thanks to the escalated and harsh geo-political climate.

Ursula von der Leyen appeared before the media during a press conference on March 9, at the end of the Commission’s first 100 days, and drew attention to the fact that we are in a new era. She said that Europe must adapt at the same pace as the rest of the world is changing. The Commission has also appointed the first EU Commissioner for Defense. The Rearm Europe campaign is now at the top of the Commission’s agenda, aiming to bring out the EU’s full potential in defense and innovation.

It was reported that the first 100 days of the Commission have had a consistent theme in three main areas: prosperity, security and democracy. What has become most important is the defense package, which hopes to generate €800 billion for Europe’s defense, and which has received unanimous support from the EU and would include, among others:

– 150 billion in loans for the EU, for defense procurement

– An opportunity for member states to invest in defence outside EU budget rules

– Flexibility to use cohesion funds for defense investments

President von der Leyen also pointed out during this press conference that economic competitiveness and military capabilities are “[…] two sides of the same coin”, as the effort we put into defense will generate benefits in both innovation and industry.

She also highlighted the fact that 80% of the EU’s current investment in defense goes to countries outside the Union, which is something she wants to change.

The White Paper, a document containing proposals from the European Commission on which action the EU should take on various policy issues, which was promised to include a plan on how to strengthen European defense with a so-called “defense package” as well as a thorough analysis of the current threat picture and countermeasures, will be delayed. It was due to be launched on March 19 next week, but will now have a slightly delayed launch. The White Paper will address issues such as how the EU can complement NATO and how we avoid making old mistakes or stalling in our innovation.

A legislative proposal for returning migrants who do not have the right to stay in the EU will also be adopted. New European legislation will enter into force, providing for a mutual return decision between member states. This is because the Commission wants to introduce a European return system with simpler, clearer rules.

However, von der Leyen assured her audience that Europe will remain open, we will not close out any relation or partnership. We may have different means to common ends, but our partners are important to us and the Commission will work to maintain these partnerships, including with the United States, with whom we have always had a strong and good cooperation.

The other guidelines that the new Commission guidelines touched upon were:

• A pure industrial gift
• Cybersecurity in healthcare
• AI factory initiative
• Youth policy dialogues

Von der Leyen said that, in the context of creating greater competitiveness for the EU, dialogues have begun on how, within the EU industrial base, to create more sustainable strategies for the steel industry, agriculture, automotive and others. Social dialogues with external partners have also recently been signed, in which the Commission values a social market economy, which is fundamental for a European economy to thrive.

Asked how the EU should respond to the retreat of partners such as the US on issues like the environmental crisis, the President said that the way to achieve these goals is through flexible, innovative technology. The global economy is undergoing a major transformation and we need to adapt to reach these common goals. “[…] for this we need simplicity and speed”, she said.

Culture Action Europe, a network that continuously works to bring culture more into EU policies, has sent a letter to the European Commission on how culture should be brought into sectors such as defense, democracy and security. Some EU Member States have already adapted culture in their security strategies, and Culture Action Europe is now calling on the EU to do the same.

How can culture help? Well, by strengthening social cohesion and democracy, countering disinformation and psychological warfare. In addition, culture can help mobilize communities and groups in society, supporting both mental health and cohesion of citizens. Through this, the EU can start to shape a common European culture, which will then strengthen European citizens and not just our fronts. Culture Action Europe calls on the EU to use the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034) to invest €30 billion in the creation of European cultural content and strengthen Europe’s democratic cultural system. Read more about Culture Action Europe’s work here.

You can watch the full press conference with President von der Leyen here. The European Commission has summarized its actions during the first 100 days of the mandate here, where you can read in more detail what happened.

Sources

https://www.europaportalen.se/2025/03/eu-kommissionens-100-forsta-dagar-detta-har-lanserats

https://www.youtube.com/live/KtDbpNSiEmE?si=5PKeXaOzGjDVywuE