EESC PLENARY: EESC hosts debate with António Costa on competitiveness and the role of the EU in the current geo-political environment

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The current geopolitical context is shining a harsh spotlight on the price that Europe is paying for its dependence on third countries, according to European Council President António Costa, speaking at a plenary debate with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on 29 April. The EU must boost its competitiveness to be able to deliver tangible results in terms of jobs, income and affordable housing.

The debate comes amid sustained geopolitical and economic pressure. Russia’s war against Ukraine, tension in the Middle East and disruptions in energy and supply chains continue to affect prices, investment and economic stability. Global competition is getting fiercer, with major economies investing heavily in strategic sectors. Together, these pressures are exposing how closely Europe’s economic performance is tied to external developments. 

The EESC President, Séamus Boland, stressed that: Europe’s competitiveness and global role cannot be separated from its core democratic values. Respect for the rule of law, fundamental rights, social dialogue and an inclusive social market economy are not constraints: they are our comparative advantage.

Members of the Civil Society Organisations' Group participated in the debate:

Cillian Lohan, President of the EESC Civil Society Organisations’ Group, said that It is essential that the EU remain firmly committed to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations. They constitute the compass for the EU’s future and for future generations. As civil society, we are ready to make our contribution to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

Elena-Alexandra Calistru, President of the EESC ECO Section, urged that ambitions and strategies such as competitiveness, [the] green and digital transition, and social and territorial cohesion (…) be backed by adequate resources; otherwise they will [be] abandoned. Organised civil society can bring something to the table.

Luca Jahier, former EESC President, highlighted that competitiveness is inseparable from Europe's place in the world. To address this challenge, building unity among leaders is essential for credible delivery, but unity must mean shared ambition including progress on all resources and investment capacity.

Read the EESC’s press release.

Watch the debate.

President Cillian Lohan in the EESC plenary debate with President António Costa