EESC Employers' Group reaction to State of the Union Address : Turning words into action, urgent unity to accelerate competitiveness

10 September 2025 – The Employers’ Group strongly supports the Commission president's urgent push for a stronger Europe in the world, for which industrial and economic competitiveness, investment and innovation are key enablers. President Von der Leyen's "Europe's independence moment," must now be matched by political will and unity—neither of which can be taken for granted in these uncertain times.

"The direction set today is the right one. But businesses need results — now. Competitiveness is not a slogan. It is the condition for Europe’s prosperity, its social model, and its ability to act on the world stage. Strong better regulation and robust governance are the foundations that will turn promised into reality," said Stefano Mallia, President of the EESC Employers' Group, stressing that Europe’s competitiveness hinges on radical simplification—not incremental tweaks.

Better Regulation—Mallia underlined – must function from the outset, not as a post-legislative review. Rules must be clear, proportionate, and enforceable, with new laws taking into effect only once implementation obligations are fully defined. Simplification must be a governing mindset, not a last-minute edit.

Von der Leyen announced new initiatives, including new simplification packages across key sectors, reducing duplications and overlaps that weigh heavily on business, a 28^th regime in company law, a multi-billion Scale-up Europe Fund to partner with private investors in strategic technologies such as AI, biotech, and quantum. Other measures include a €1.8 billion Battery Booster package equity scheme, an Industrial Accelerator Act, and a Small Affordable Cars, protecting the competitiveness of Europe’s automotive industry and meeting consumer demand.

The President also set out a Single Market Roadmap to 2028, tackling barriers in finance, energy, telecoms, and knowledge — building on Letta Report’s recommendations. "We expect full coherence with the Single Market Strategy (May 2025). Short-term urgent measures and long-term structural reforms must reinforce one another, not drift apart," said Mallia.

While the EESC Employers' Group welcomes these steps, the real test lies in delivery. "Strategies are not the end goal; what matters is translating them into tangible outcomes for companies and citizens," added Mallia.

At the same time, the EESC Employers’ Group welcomes the Commission President’s emphasis on security and support for Ukraine, the reinforcement of Europe's Eastern flank and the broader European security agenda. Businesses understand competitiveness and security as two sides of the same coin: prosperity at home depends on stability and peace abroad. European businesses will stand firmly behind a stronger, more united EU that acts with global responsibility and strategic confidence.

Reinforcing the EU's role in the world requires the Commission to also deepen strong alliances with trusted partners, in Asia, Central and Latin America. Ambitious trade deals—anchored in enforceable standards—are vital not only to open new market opportunities, but also to strengthen Europe’s influence in shaping global norms and values. Indeed, a strong competitiveness agenda depends on an open, rules-based global trading system that provides European businesses the predictability they need.

Finally, delivering on this agenda depends on unity and governance reform. "Europe cannot afford paralysis if it is to deliver on these promises. Governance reform is the missing piece: only a more agile Union will be able to translate roadmaps and funds into real results for companies and citizens," Mallia concluded.

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

+32 497 412095