EU Competitiveness in a Global Arena: Charting the Path Forward

EU has historically benefited from robust economic cooperation and integration, but it faces significant hurdles in maintaining its competitive edge on the global stage. Following the global financial crisis 2008, the EU experienced a notable decline in GDP growth, which only rebounded to pre-crisis levels in 2021. This contrasts with the steady growth observed in economies such as the United States and China during the same period, highlighting the need for strategic reforms to revitalize EU competitiveness. About the topic, we, therefore will hold a roundtable discussion organized jointly by the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers, European Enterprise Alliance, and SME Connect.

Agenda

Welcome by Horst Heitz – Chair of the Steering Committee of SME Connect

Presentations by

Agata Boutanos – Director of the Representation to the European Union, Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers; Presentation of the ZPP report on “EU Competitiveness in a Global Perspective”

Seyide Direk – Policy Analyst, European Enterprise Alliance; Presentation of the ZPP report on “Exploring CEE and Northern Underrepresentation in EU Institutional Roles”

Debate

Daniel Wennick  –  Policy Director, Orgalim

Harald Past – Head of International Trade & Taxation, EuroCommerce

Laurent Maurin – Head of Economic Studies Division, European Investment Bank

Michael Jäger – President, European Taxpayers Association

Ralph Kamphöner – Head of Brussels Office, textil+mode

 Dr. Tudor Petru Fabian – Policy Advisor to Iuliu Winkler MEP; Coordinator of the Working Group on Trade  with SME Europe of the EPP

Moderation by Dr Horst Heitz – Executive Director of SME Europe

In case of any questions or to confirm your participation, please contact the Policy Analyst, Ms. Seyide Direk: direk@enterprisealliance.eu