"At the local and regional level, we need closer collaboration with SME Europe — thinking globally but acting locally. Reducing administrative burdens is crucial, especially for SMEs, and we must keep pushing the ‘one in, two out’ principle to truly cut red tape and boost competitiveness.” said Jörgen Warborn, Member of the European Parliament, President of SME Europe, and EPP Group Coordinator in the International Trade (INTA) Committee during a debate during the EPP-CoR Group Meeting.
The debate explored how Europe can enhance competitiveness, strengthen its global trade position, and improve conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) — the backbone of the European economy.
Closer Cooperation Between Institutions to Boost Growth
In his remarks, Jörgen Warborn underlined the need for stronger collaboration between EPP actors at all levels to ensure Europe’s long-term prosperity. Warborn stressed that prosperity begins with thriving businesses, and called for decisive action on two key priorities: Reducing regulatory and administrative burdens through simplification and the “one in, two out” rule and Strengthening trade policy to avoid conflicts with key partners like the United States, while deepening cooperation with emerging regions such as Mercosur. “With a war in Ukraine, we cannot afford a trade conflict with our main ally. At the same time, new opportunities are emerging — despite turbulence, there is space for optimism and for Europe to reaffirm its global role.” concluded Jörgen Warborn
EPP-CoR Group Members: SMEs at the Heart of Europe’s Prosperity
Frank Proust, President of Nîmes, called for a stronger link between EU trade policy and local realities: “Europe must remain a global player, not a spectator. We need a structured dialogue between SME Europe, the EPP Group in the European Parliament, and the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions to ensure that trade policies reflect the realities of our territories. The EPP must continue to be the party of entrepreneurs — those who build, create, and sustain Europe’s economic strength.”
Pablo Broseta, Vice-Minister for Representation to the European Union from the Government of the Region of Valencia, highlighted that administrative simplification must go hand in hand with efficiency: “Our experience in the Valencian Community shows that simplification does not mean lowering ambition, but increasing efficiency, trust, and competitiveness. The success of the European simplification agenda depends on how regions translate these principles into daily practice.”
From Local Action to European Competitiveness
Pehr Granfalk, Member of Solna Municipal Council (Sweden), emphasized that EPP local leaders are uniquely positioned to understand SMEs’ realities: “As mayors and local representatives, we are the only political family that truly understands the importance of SMEs. Economic growth and citizens’ well-being stem from their success. We must strengthen cooperation with SME Europe to improve the business climate across Europe.”
Alberto Cirio, President of the Piemonte Region (Italy), urged pragmatic measures to boost competitiveness and protect regional interests: “When it comes to competitiveness, we must act pragmatically and focus on concrete measures for businesses. The world is much larger than the U.S. market alone — Europe must strengthen its presence in new markets. But we must also defend the role of regions in the cohesion policy, or we risk losing our relevance.”
Emma Blain, Member of Dublin City Council, concluded by reaffirming the territorial dimension of competitiveness: “SMEs are the backbone of Europe’s prosperity and local life. As regions and cities, we bring a territorial perspective to EU law-making to ensure that policies truly work on the ground. The EPP must continue to champion what businesses need — supporting entrepreneurs, protecting the Single Market, and fostering competitiveness across all our territories.”
Simplification, Urgency, and Security
Ivan Žagar, Mayor of the Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica (Slovenia), highlighted that simplification is essential for cost efficiency and economic vitality: “Simplification is the path to greater efficiency and lower costs. The overproduction of regulation at national and European levels has become a real problem. We must simplify, cut costs, and increase efficiency — and this approach should also extend to public sector investments, as everything is interconnected with the wider economy.”
Markus Wallner, Governor of Vorarlberg (Austria), urged rapid and decisive action to protect Europe’s industrial base: “It is essential to work quickly and efficiently on these issues. I encourage Mr. Warborn to stand by his clear words and push for more diligent work in the European Parliament. In Austria, we are losing production sites, which negatively affects not only our national GDP but Europe’s overall economy. The Commission must act. Simplification must become a reality: producing means cutting bureaucracy, reducing energy costs, investing in skills, and advancing digital transformation.”
Olgierd Geblewicz, President of the West Pomeranian Region (Poland), raised strategic concerns about trade and defence: “There are three key issues at stake. First, we need a trade agreement with the United States that stabilises markets and strengthens our shared security. Second, the Mercosur deal raises serious concerns among farmers — we must address their doubts and ensure fairness. And third, we should support companies in the defence sector and help SMEs transition from civil to military production.”
A Unified Message: Europe’s Competitiveness Starts Locally
The debate reaffirmed that Europe’s competitiveness and global relevance depend on strong cooperation between institutions and a bottom-up approach that empowers regions and cities to support local businesses.
Through joint efforts between SME Europe and the EPP-CoR Group, the EPP family continues to lead the way in building a Europe where entrepreneurship, innovation, and cooperation drive sustainable growth for all.