The need for governments, employers and employees, as true social partners, to act together to shape a stronger, fairer and more competitive Union, was emphasised by the President of Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB) George Pantelides during his intervention at the Tripartite Social Summit in Brussels.
EU leaders and social partners met in Brussels for the Tripartite Social Summit on 22 October. The main theme of the summit was ‘Making Europe stronger in a changing world that delivers for workers and enterprises’.
The participants discussed a stronger Union economically and politically and investing in productivity, affordable housing and quality jobs
During the discussion, EU leaders and social partners explored ways to boost the EU’s resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges by strengthening it from the inside. Affordable housing was highlighted as key to fostering greater social cohesion and mobility. Participants also agreed on the need to cut unnecessary red tape, so as to reduce the regulatory burden on European businesses without sacrificing the EU’s ambitious climate objectives.
Other topics covered during the summit included the importance of investing in key infrastructure, particularly artificial intelligence; the need to boost skills and foster quality jobs to increase the EU’s competitiveness and productivity; and the key role played by social dialogue and collective bargaining in ensuring that the EU delivers for its citizens.
In his intervention, Pantelides focused on three main pillars on which the effort to recover the single European market and the economy more broadly should be based.
According to the OEB President, Europe is currently at a defining moment in its history as "geopolitical tensions, shifts in economic power and social inequalities are testing our unity and our common mission."
"The strength of the European Union depends on the solidarity of its member states; on our ability to work together to build a continent that is economically resilient, politically cohesive and socially just," he added, underlining that "to achieve this goal, we need a common vision that inspires trust and mobilises action."
As Pantelides stated, " Europe must speak with one voice on the international stage, projecting stability and leadership, demonstrating that participation in the Union is a shared responsibility."
"Now is the time for visionary leaders who unite, bridge differences and lead Europe confidently into the future. The choices we make today will determine whether Europe will remain a spectator in a world of competing powers or whether it will evolve into a driving force for progress, prosperity and peace," Pantelides went on to say.
Regaining global leadership
Referring to the first pillar for a stronger European Union, both economically and politically, the President of OEB stressed the need for the EU to regain its global leadership position.
As he explained, "Europe must regain its position as a global economic leader through vision, focus and determination", adding that "competitiveness today is not measured only by lower costs or higher productivity; it depends on creativity, innovation, resilience and the ability to adapt".
We must, he continued, "build an ecosystem where businesses grow, industries evolve, and people acquire skills that transform ideas into meaningful solutions."
"Europe needs a strategy with clear milestones, measurable results and realistic timetables. Policies, investments and education must be unified around a common goal: to make Europe the most dynamic and competitive region in the world and the best place to start and grow a business," he further pointed out.
Going one step further, Pantelides indicated that supporting research and innovation is a critical factor.
"Our competitors in Asia and North America are investing aggressively in new technologies, artificial intelligence, clean energy, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing. Europe must respond, through strong partnerships between industry, academia and start-ups, turning research into tangible results," he said.
Therefore, Pantelides emphatically underlined, "regaining global leadership is an achievable goal, provided we act collectively. With unity and determination, Europe can once again lead the way in science, technology and sustainable industry, setting the standard for the global economy of tomorrow."
Unleashing the potential of the single market
Regarding the second pillar, which is based on the potential of the single market, the President of OEB stated that "the single market is one of Europe's greatest achievements ", emphasising that "despite all this, obstacles continue to limit its potential".
"To ensure Europe's competitiveness and prosperity, we must make it more efficient, faster and fairer for all," he further stated, proposing the following three goals:
- First objective - Regulatory efficiency: "Rules must be clear, consistent and growth-oriented. Red tape must never hinder innovation or investment, and any regulation must serve a real purpose, enhancing competitiveness."
"Simplifying procedures will allow businesses to grow beyond national borders and increase Europe's flexibility in the global market," he stressed.
- Second objective - Strengthening trade and investment: "Europe must pursue fair, ambitious trade agreements and renew tax and investment tools to attract sustainable growth," he explained.
- Third objective - Targeted investments in the sectors with the highest added value: "new technologies, clean energy, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. Strategic investment in these sectors will unleash the full potential of the Single Market and strengthen Europe's role as a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship," he said.
Investing in resilience and people
Regarding the third pillar, that of investing in resilience and people, the President of OEB stressed that "a strong and competitive Europe requires resilience , starting with access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy."
"High energy costs continue to threaten our industry and limit growth. We must therefore secure Europe's energy future and strengthen its industrial base," he stressed.
At the same time, Pantelides added, the green transition must combine ambition with realism. As he explained, “protecting the planet and strengthening competitiveness can and must go hand in hand.”
"The Green Agenda must act as a driver of innovation, investment and quality jobs, turning sustainability into Europe's new great opportunity. At the same time, Europe must invest in its people and strengthen its collective security," he pointed out.
According to Pantelides, "a comprehensive Resilience Plan is necessary to strengthen our ability to respond to security threats, humanitarian crises and economic shocks."
"Reskilling and upskilling are crucial to equipping the workforce with the skills of the future, so that no one is left behind in this transition," he stressed, indicating that "by investing in energy stability, sustainable innovation and human capital, Europe can build a foundation that is both competitive and secure - a Union capable of withstanding global uncertainties and confident enough to shape the future."
The appeal
Concluding his intervention, the President of OEB sent clear messages and made a clear call for unity.
As he characteristically stated, "the path ahead is clear: Unity, Leadership and Resilience."
These, he said, are the foundations on which Europe must build its future.
"Let us act together - Governments, Employers and Workers - as true social partners, to shape a stronger, fairer and more competitive Union", he underlined, stressing that "what Europe needs now is bold, decisive and collective action, worthy of its ambitions."
"Together, we can turn the current situation into a turning point for the future of Europe. The responsibility is ours, and the moment is now," Pantelides concluded.
(Source: InBusinessNews)
