MEDPOL: SGI Europe calls for a competitiveness agenda grounded in investment and preparedness

On Wednesday 12 November 2025, SGI Europe addressed the meeting of the Macro-Economic Dialogue at Political Level (MEDPOL). The meeting brought together, amongst others, Stephanie Lose (Minister for Economic Affairs, Denmark), Valdis Dombrovskis (Commissioner for Economy and Productivity), Christine Lagarde (President, ECB), Paschal Donohoe (President, Eurogroup), and social partners.

Representing SGI Europe, Valeria Ronzitti, General Secretary, said:

“When essential systems like education, housing, healthcare, water, transport, and digital infrastructure function well, people participate, transitions succeed, and regions remain economically attractive. Investing in people and essential services is the foundation of productivity, cohesion, and inclusion. Without them, neither competitiveness nor social fairness can be sustained.”

“Fiscal policy must protect long-term capacity. As NextGenerationEU winds down and defence spending rises, fiscal space will tighten. Consolidation is necessary, but it must be sequenced carefully. Cutting productive capacity today would weaken growth and resilience tomorrow. The next Multiannual Financial Framework must embed competitiveness, cohesion, and preparedness as equal pillars.”

“Competitiveness is a collective capacity, not competition between Member States. Europe’s strength lies in cooperation, transparency, and shared investment. The proposed European Competitiveness Fund is an opportunity, but only if it builds on local expertise and fully involves social partners and regional authorities in decision-making, ensuring ownership, balance, and real impact.”