Time to unlock a security-driven competitiveness

15 May 2025 – Global competition is intensifying. Europe's closest allies are no longer fully predictable. The return of raw power politics demands that the EU builds real economic strength and genuine strategic autonomy.

In the framework of the Polish Presidency, the Employers' Group of the European Economic and Social Committee is organising on 16 May, together with its Polish members' organisations [1] and Poland's Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, a conference titled "Time to unlock a security-driven competitiveness".

"The Polish Presidency has understood the urgency. Under the clear theme of "Security, Europe!", it has placed competitiveness and strategic autonomy at the very core of their work. It has shown the political will required to tackle today’s challenges —and it deserves full recognition for this. Europe must be a frontrunner, not a follower" said Stefano Mallia, President of the Employers' Group.

Speakers at the conference include EU, business and government leaders, including Secretary of State Michał JAROS, Agnieszka MAJEWSKA, Poland’s Ombudsperson for SMEs, Małgorzata DAROWSKA, Coordinator for EU Affairs at WB Group, and Dr. hab. Grzegorz BRONA, CEO of Creotech Instruments S.A.

The starting point of the discussion will be that open strategic autonomy does not mean isolationism, but rather reducing our critical dependencies where they pose vulnerabilities, while strengthening our capacity to innovate and lead in key technologies. Space, clean tech, quantum computing, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence will define the contours of global power in this century.

Strategic autonomy cannot be achieved without a strong industrial base, a well-functioning Single Market, and a regulatory environment that fosters investment and scaling up. The first thematic session will address precisely these challenges.

A second panel discussion will focus on dismantling the barriers that undermine competitiveness within the EU Single Market. Regulatory simplification is not merely a technical exercise. It is about restoring business confidence, unlocking investment, and ensuring that our enterprises – from start-ups to large industrial champions – have the freedom to grow and innovate. Across too many sectors, this is simply not happening.

For a full overview of the event, please visit our webpage.

For more information, please contact:
Daniela Vincenti, Communication Adviser
daniela.vincenti@eesc.europa.eu

+32 497 412095