pt.euronews.com
EPP Prioritizes Competitiveness, Migration Control, and Military Strength
The center-right European People's Party (EPP) met in Berlin on Saturday to outline its 2025 priorities: curbing the far-right, boosting competitiveness (particularly addressing a 30% GDP gap with the US in 2023, up from 17% in 2002 due to low EU productivity), and halting illegal migration, with leader Friedrich Merz, a frontrunner in Germany's February elections, advocating for stricter migration rules and a stronger military stance.
- What are the EPP's key policy priorities for 2025, and what are the immediate implications for the European Union?
- The center-right European People's Party (EPP) met in Berlin on Saturday to outline its priorities for 2025, focusing on curbing the rise of the far-right, boosting competitiveness, and stopping illegal migration. Party leader Friedrich Merz highlighted competitiveness and prosperity as top priorities, alongside ending illegal migration and strengthening military capabilities to ensure peace. Merz, currently favored to win Germany's federal elections in February, emphasized the need for stricter rules to limit irregular migration.
- How does the EPP explain Europe's declining competitiveness compared to other regions, and what are the proposed solutions?
- The EPP's focus on competitiveness stems from concerns about Europe's declining industrial competitiveness compared to other regions, particularly the US. The gap in GDP between the EU and the US widened from 17% in 2002 to 30% in 2023, attributed to low productivity in the EU. The Russian war in Ukraine and increased energy prices exacerbated these economic challenges.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of the EPP's proposed policy changes for European businesses, the environment, and social policy?
- The EPP proposes simplifying laws, removing unnecessary regulations, and adopting a "one in, two out" rule for new regulations to boost competitiveness. They also suggest delaying and reducing the scope of corporate sustainability laws to ease the burden on businesses. These measures reflect a prioritization of economic growth and competitiveness over other policy goals, potentially impacting environmental and social regulations.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is framed to present the PPE's proposals as solutions to pressing problems. The headline and opening paragraphs emphasize the party's plans to combat the far-right, boost competitiveness, and curb illegal migration, creating a positive framing of the party's agenda. The inclusion of Merz's likely win in the German elections further amplifies this framing.
Language Bias
The language used is mostly neutral, but phrases like "travar a ascensão da extrema-direita" (stop the rise of the far-right) and "migração ilegal" (illegal migration) carry a negative connotation. While accurate, these terms could be replaced with more neutral phrasing such as "address concerns about the far-right" and "irregular migration." The description of the economic situation as "agravamento da situação" (worsening situation) is also somewhat loaded.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the PPE's priorities without exploring alternative viewpoints or the potential consequences of their proposed policies. Missing is analysis of the economic data presented, alternative solutions to migration, or counterarguments to their claims about competitiveness and productivity. The lack of diverse perspectives limits the reader's ability to form a fully informed opinion.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the issue of migration as solely "illegal migration" needing to be "stopped." This simplifies a complex issue by ignoring legal migration channels and the nuances of immigration policies. It also frames economic competitiveness as a simple equation of deregulation and reduced environmental regulations, ignoring other factors.
Gender Bias
The article does not contain overt gender bias. However, a more comprehensive analysis would require assessing the gender balance within the PPE leadership and the article's sources.
Sustainable Development Goals
The PPE's focus on boosting competitiveness and economic prosperity directly relates to SDG 8, aiming to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Their proposals to simplify regulations and improve productivity are intended to stimulate economic growth and create more jobs. However, their suggestion to delay and reduce the scope of sustainability laws may negatively impact other SDGs (like climate action).