Strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, economic resilience and innovation capacity through a deeper Single Market, better access to capital, reduced regulatory fragmentation and investment reaching cities, rural areas and regions alike was the main message of EPP-CoR members at the EU Presidency Forum in Brussels.
As Europe enters a new political cycle and faces growing global competition, the Forum brought together European policymakers, industry leaders and experts to explore how the EU can translate its economic ambitions into practical outcomes for businesses, citizens and territories.
Emma Blain (IE/EPP), Dublin City Councillor and rapporteur for the European Committee of the Regions’ opinion on the Single Market and Customs Programme, stressed the importance of capital mobility and the completion of the Capital Markets Union for Europe’s future competitiveness. “Coming from Dublin City, I would like to underline the importance of the free movement of capital, particularly for the services and tech sectors. Ireland’s aircraft leasing industry is a good example of how capital mobility works in practice. Completing the Capital Markets Union is essential to financing Europe’s strategic ambitions, and the Irish Presidency’s focus on the Digital Euro and the Savings and Investments Union reflects that urgency.”
Blain also highlighted that the Single Market and simplification agenda must deliver tangible results at local and regional level. “As rapporteur for the Single Market and Customs Programme opinion at the European Committee of the Regions, adopted unanimously at plenary in March, I have a grounded perspective on what the Single Market means at city and regional level. Europe’s broader competitiveness and simplification agenda needs to land for businesses and citizens on the ground, not only at EU institutional level.”
Jimmy McClearn (IE/EPP), Councillor of Galway County Council, welcomed the Irish Presidency’s focus on values, competitiveness and security, while underlining the transformative role of the EU Single Market for Ireland’s economy and regions. “Since Ireland joined the European Union in 1973, access to the Single Market has completely transformed our economy, alongside higher standards, greater safety, stronger infrastructure and the support of EU programmes. A stronger Single Market means more opportunities for Irish exporters, more investment in regional economies and greater competitiveness against global rivals such as the United States and China.”
Speaking from the perspective of Galway and Ireland’s Western Region, McClearn stressed that Europe’s competitiveness strategy must not be limited to major urban centres, but must also support rural and regional economies. “Economic growth should not be concentrated in Europe’s largest cities. By improving connectivity, supporting innovation ecosystems and ensuring fair access to investment, we can enable regions such as the West of Ireland to compete and prosper on an equal footing. Rural Europe remains underfunded, and the post-2027 EU budget must make rural development a visible, coherent and adequately financed priority across all policies.”
McClearn pointed to Galway’s strong medical technology hub, skilled workforce, agri-food sector, digital businesses and family-owned enterprises as examples of regional assets that can contribute to Europe’s competitiveness when supported by the right investment, infrastructure and skills policies.
Jimmy McClearn further announced that he will host Tthe CoR ECON external meeting in Galway in October, focusing on foreign direct investment and indigenous trade.
Brídín Murphy (IE/EPP), Member of Wexford County Council, focused on Europe’s life sciences and biotech ecosystem, stressing that regions must be empowered to create the right conditions for innovation, investment and growth.
“If Europe is serious about becoming a global leader in life sciences, we must recognise the crucial role of our regions. Local and regional authorities need the investment to create the conditions where biotech and life sciences companies can locate, innovate and grow. That means investing in infrastructure, skills and public trust. By empowering regions, we strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, attract high-value investment, create quality jobs and ensure that innovation delivers real benefits for patients, communities and local economies across the European Union.”
The EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions will continue to advocate for a competitive, innovative and resilient Europe that supports growth not only in capitals and major cities, but in every region, county and municipality.