As the first 100 days of President, von der Leyen approaches the Commission has reassured the EU that its priorities haven’t changed. Von der Leyen remains committed to the same targets for the EU that she prioritized since the beginning of her term.

Von der Leyen made it clear that one of her utmost priorities was to tackle climate change. Only 11 days into her term the Commission released the EU Green Deal, a roadmap for future climate goals. On March 4th, the Commission revealed the EU Climate Law. The law aims to make the EU carbon neutral by 2050 and allows the commission to revise policies to create greater transparency and lead the public and private sector to achieve these ambitious goals. Furthermore, the Commission released the Green Deal Investment Plan. The goal of the plan is to generate a trillion euros to allow for greater research, technology, and development of resources to help with the reduction of emissions. Von der Leyen also emphasized the need to assist with the transition of the workforce in a carbon-neutral society. As a result, the Commission proposed the Just Transition Mechanism and Fund. The goal of the programs is to fund re-education, re-training, and other programs to assist areas that still rely heavily on carbon-emitting industries. There remain many initiatives that have yet to be unveiled such as the “Farm to Fork Strategy” and the Biodiversity Strategy. Given Von der Leyen’s ambitious start it is likely that the strategies will be released soon.

Von der Leyen also emphasized the need to upgrade the EU’s digital infrastructure and capabilities. The Commission has already released its strategy for “Shaping Europe’s Digital Future”. The strategy is a holistic guideline that covers a multitude of digital topics such as artificial intelligence to digital education. The largest focus of the strategy is the push for 5G capabilities throughout the EU. In the foreseeable future, the Commission is likely to produce the Digital Services Act, new rules on artificial intelligence, online digital identity standards, and greater regulations for cybersecurity. Cybersecurity has been one of the larger objectives of the presidency given the goals for upgrading the digital infrastructure of the EU.

Lastly, the Commission has made great strides toward making the EU a stronger international partner. The largest example of this is seen in the accession process for the EU. The negotiations are continuing with Albania and North Macedonia and look likely to succeed. The EU is also set to establish a strategy for Africa to improve development efforts on the continent. It is also important to note that the EU has remained committed to halting the spread of the coronavirus. The Commission has announced a 232-million-euro investment to combat the virus.