Nicosia: The established procedures of EU policymaking seem unfit in the current geopolitical, economic, and climate challenges of today, Eurochambres Deputy President, Wouter Van Gulck, stated at the Eurochambres Presidency meeting at the Cyprus Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). Europe must simplify and move faster, emphasized CCCI President, Stavros Stavrou.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, discussed the ambitions of promoting EU competitiveness during Cyprus' EU Presidency. Van Gulck expressed that while the focus of the Cyprus EU Presidency is encouraging, it echoes previous commitments heard from former Presidencies and the European Commission. He underscored the need for a more collective, coherent, and dynamic approach to EU policymaking, stressing the importance of Single Market integration, reduction of regulatory burdens, and international trade.
Van Gulck highlighted the necessity for the European Commission to address barriers to the free movement of service providers and to simplify regulatory processes to avoid stifling businesses. He noted the unpredictability of the international trade agenda and its impact on export-oriented companies, urging the EU to uphold the multilateral trade system and pursue ambitious bilateral trade agreements. He criticized the European Parliament's recent decision to refer the Mercosur Agreement to the European Board of Justice, describing it as irresponsible.
Stavrou, addressing the gathering, emphasized that European economic competitiveness is central to the political agenda, with global competition intensifying due to industrial strategies in the US, state-led policies in China, and reforms in other economies. He asserted that Europe's competitiveness relies on strategic choices and urged Europe to remain an attractive hub for investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Stavrou highlighted the strategic role of Eurochambres, representing over 20 million businesses, in translating economic realities into European policies. He emphasized the importance of openness, stability, and adaptability in building competitiveness, noting Cyprus' strategic position at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Cyprus EU Presidency, with its motto 'A unified Europe open to the whole world', aims to steer discussions towards simplifying regulations, accelerating growth, and promoting innovation and skills. According to a CCCI press release, the meeting served as a platform for discussing Europe's competitiveness agenda, regulatory simplification, and the role of chambers in aiding European companies globally.
The meeting also reviewed Eurochambres' activities and strategic priorities, including preparations for the Eurochambres Congress 2026 and the European Parliament Elections Programme 2027. The press release concluded by affirming Eurochambres' commitment to collaborating with the Cyprus Presidency and European institutions to keep competitiveness at the forefront of Europe's policy agenda.