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

The European Council President described 2026 as a decisive year for Europe’s economic agenda. He argued that strengthening competitiveness is necessary to reduce Europe’s dependence on external developments and safeguard Europe’s social model, economic security and ability to act in a more hostile global environment.

He pointed in particular to the recent agreement by the European Council on the One Europe, One Market roadmap. This initiative aims to remove remaining barriers within the single market, improve conditions for businesses across the EU and deliver on three closely interconnected agendas: competitiveness, sovereignty and trade.

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.’

Mr Costa stated that the EESC plays a key role in bringing citizens’ and businesses’ concerns into the EU decision-making process. ‘The EESC is personifying the roots of the European model, of the European institutional architecture.’

Diverse views from EESC members on Europe’s competitiveness path

The debate reflected a broad range of views among EESC members on how Europe should move forward while balancing competitiveness, social rights and inclusiveness. 

Sandra Parthie, president of the EESC Employers’ Group said that ‘while Europe speaks of sovereignty and innovation, the market buys elsewhere and EU companies scale elsewhere. If Europe is to remain an economic power, it needs to move from ambition to action as a matter of urgency. It must fully enforce the single market, mobilise capital and design regulation for growth, not for compliance.’

Lucie Studničná, president of the EESC Workers’ Group, said that ‘competitiveness cannot be built by lowering labour standards, environmental protections or consumer rights. Quality jobs, fair wages and strong social dialogue are part of Europe’s economic strength, not a cost to be reduced.’ 

Cillian Lohan, president of the EESC Civil Society Organisations’ Group, said that ‘it is essential that the EU remains 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.’ (ll)