Europe must act faster and more simply to meet growing challenges to security, the economy and society. The European Commission must set an example, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Monday in Brussels.
The Commission president received a report from the high-level group on the future of the Commission’s civil service, chaired by EU official Catherine Day. The document assesses possible directions for reforming the EU administration.
Speaking to the media in Brussels, the head of the Commission stressed that the European civil service has repeatedly proved its commitment and professionalism, including during the Covid-19 pandemic, the rollout of the economic recovery plan, the organization of aid for Ukraine, and the response to the energy crisis, migration pressure and hybrid threats. She noted, however, that the Commission’s range of tasks is growing while available resources are increasingly limited.
She identified three main priorities for the reform: making the administration work more efficiently, using public funds more effectively, and preparing staff for the challenges of the future.
“We need a Europe that acts faster, more simply and in a more targeted way, which is why the Commission must set an example,” she said in a statement to the press.
She also pointed to the importance of using public money responsibly. In her assessment, Europeans who are facing cost-of-living pressures have the right to expect that public funds will deliver measurable results.
The third priority is to be developing staff skills and making wider use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The report is one stage of the work. Recommendations for further changes are to be drawn up on its basis. Von der Leyen said she has assigned that task to Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin.
“The Commission is already a well-functioning administration, but we can certainly do more,” Piotr Serafin said.
From Brussels, Łukasz Osiński (PAP)
