The future of Europe – challenges ahead

Future challenges related to globalisation, digitalisation, climate change, Brexit and others were the topic of the seminar "Future of Europe – challenges ahead", that took place on 3 December in Malta. The conference was organised by the Employers' Group together with the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry.

"Europe can still be a global and political leader. To achieve that we need to focus on global competition", said David Xuereb, President of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry in his opening speech. Jacek Krawczyk, President of the Employers' Group added that in the current complicated global situation, the EU must have the internal strength to turn the new European Commission's plans into reality.

The first panel "Harnessing globalisation – more Europe for our citizens?" came to the conclusion that continuing efforts in cohesion policy, further encouraging economic growth and deepening the internal market are needed to keep Europe competitive. The second panel discussed that in order to use new trends as an opportunity, especially education systems and small companies need to be enabled to adopt new technologies and new working methods.

In his keynote speech, Jacob Appel, Director of Bolt Malta, underlined how digital solutions could save time and money for people dealing with both businesses and public administration. In his view, the EU should provide a proper regulatory framework to allow countries to implement digital solutions as quickly as possible.

"We must make sure that the New Green Deal is implemented and does not end up as just a slogan. It not only protects the environment but creates opportunities for the business sector", said Miriam Dalli, Member of the European Parliament and Vice-President of the S&D Group, in her keynote speech. She underlined that binding targets and a clear way ahead are the conditions for success.

"Business needs to know where this transformation is heading and what is expected. We need to act together and use each opportunity to communicate to policy makers what we need to deliver results", said Stefano Mallia, Vice-President of the Employers' Group, concluding the conference.