While the Commission devoted a specific meeting of the College to the subject of competitiveness, but did not wish to comment on the outcome of its discussions, on Wednesday 4 February the representatives of the Member States also examined the subject of competitiveness and the priorities for the informal retreat of European leaders on 12 February in Alden Biesen (Belgium).
As indicated by the President of the European Council, António Costa, the leaders’ discussions will focus on two main areas: the geo-economic context and the EU’s positioning in the world, and the EU’s internal strategies and policies and how to direct investment.
For most delegations, the focus should be on simplifying legislation, the need to strengthen and deepen the single market, access to capital for business and private investment, tackling high energy prices and the impact of climate policy on EU competitiveness.
Support for SMEs, the introduction of the future ‘28th regime’ for small businesses and reducing the EU’s dependence, particularly where critical raw materials are concerned, were also raised as priority points. The meeting should also result in concrete actions.
For some delegations, notably France, but also Spain and Greece, which would be in support, the informal Summit should be an opportunity to draw up an in-depth analysis of the EU’s ‘geo-economic’ situation and dependencies, sector by sector, and to consider the instruments to be put in place, between investment and protection measures, if necessary.
France will be promoting its favourite concept of ‘transversal European preference’ and systematic risk reduction in sectors such as digital, defence and rare earths.
However, this is not self-evident for all Member States, as the EU27 do not necessarily have the same analysis of European risks and dependencies.
A number of countries, including Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic, have already set out their expectations for this ‘retreat’, insisting, among other things, on regulatory simplification or the suspension of measures such as ETS2 in Prague. Sweden could also publish a discussion paper on the subject. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)