Driving Europe’s Competitiveness

In an era of geopolitical and economic instability, climate change, weakening multilateralism, and the growing dominance of tech giants, how should Europe react?

As Socialists and Democrats, we have a common strategy to drive the sustainable reindustrialisation of our continent that builds on Europe’s competitive advantages: its social model, the single market, and the leadership in tackling climate change.

Recently, we reiterated in a joint declaration our plan for a competitive Europe, with 10 ambitious objectives for Industry and the single market:

A Competitive Economy that works for All

As progressives, we believe in:

• An empowered single market that benefits consumers, SMEs, start-ups, and other enterprises.
• Supporting the transition of European energy-intensive and legacy industries such as the automotive sector.
• Clean and affordable energy for all, boosting renewables, strengthening interconnections, electricity grids, and storage infrastructures.
• Ensuring quality jobs, good wages, welfare, and skills, with a focus on training, vocational education, and STEM.

Innovation, Investment, and Resilience

To remain competitive, we must unleash the full potential of our Union, strengthening our capacities in financing, technological development and inputs, among others.

Therefore, Europe must:

• Unlock EU investment power with an Investment Plan for Green, Digital, and Just Transition, providing the means to finance European public goods.
• Step up efforts in Research & Development and innovation, prioritising industrial policy driving the digital transformation with a sectoral approach.
• Enhance Europe’s resilience by reducing dependency, ensuring sustainable access to critical raw materials and industrial capacities, and investing in recycling and circular economy initiatives.

A competitive, fair global environment, with strong social foundations

In today’s global economy, it is essential to explore how industrial and trade policies can increase synergies to strengthen Europe’s industrial ecosystems, all while respecting international rules and continuing to commit to agreed targets. Europe’s competitiveness relies on:

• A new approach to competition policy, levelling the global playing field for EU companies and strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy.
• A realistic simplification agenda that provides predictability, consistency, and investment security—without rolling back hard-won environmental and social legislation.
• A fair-trade agenda based on multilateralism and WTO rules, which protects human rights, environmental and social standards, safeguards EU industries and strengthens our relationships with reliable partners.

As Socialists and Democrats, our vision for a competitive Europe is inclusive, fair, and democratic. It must support regional development, fair taxation, and strong cohesion policies. A robust industrial policy will enhance Europe’s global standing while securing quality jobs, economic stability, and a just green transition.

Building a Future-Proof Europe

In a rapidly evolving world, Europe must strengthen its competitiveness while upholding social and environmental progress. Every piece of legislation should enhance citizens’ well-being, quality jobs and safeguard the planet. Our success in revitalising industries, driving decarbonisation, fostering innovation, and creating quality green jobs will determine whether we build a resilient, prosperous, and future-proof Union—one that leaves no one behind.

Schembri Silvio is the Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Malta.

Bogdan-Gruia Ivan is the Minister of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, Romania.

Hereu i Boher Jordi is the Minister for industry and tourism, Spain.

Židan Dejan is the State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport, Slovenia.

Frangež Matevž is the State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport, Slovenia.

Bischoff Gabriele is the Vice President, S&D Group in the European Parliament.