Sectoral initiatives and overall competitiveness of the EU

Key points

The EESC:

• notes that the scope of competitiveness has changed rapidly, with the productivity and efficiency supplemented by sustainability, smartness and resilience. A strong industrial base is needed to create solutions for the future;
• observes that sectoral/vertical policies are gaining in importance, providing guidance and support to key ecosystems, through legislative, financial and institutional tools;
• emphasises that EU’s competitiveness is under pressure, especially in energy-intensive industries and information technologies, and due to the mercantilist policies of third countries;
• is convinced that Europe’s industrial policy must continue to reinforce the drivers of competitiveness: foster investments, ensure access to secure and affordable low-carbon energy, seize the potential of the digital transformation, empower human capital, boost innovation & research & development, better regulate and consolidate single market, ensure fair access to key resources by secured supply chains. This has to be done with a view to keep, restore and further develop EU industrial capabilities, while maintaining and creating quality jobs;
• highlights that financial policy support must include more integrated funding and State aid, while fostering public-private ecosystems, enforcing public oversight and ensuring efficient resource allocation;
• stresses that the single market must be completed, its rules enforced, and the market barriers removed. The financial, communication and energy markets should be integrated and supplemented by the health and digital sectors, as well as by the ‘fifth freedom’ of R&D&I;
• considers that expenditure on R&D should match that of the EU’s global competitors, and be geared towards areas of its industrial ecosystems and innovation drivers where the most added value can be created;
• calls on the next Commission to develop and implement an Industrial Deal together with the New Competitiveness Deal, based on the achievements of the European social model.