28 June 2024
This week, SGI Europe published its Opinion ‘SGIs for a sustainable European competitiveness’. The publication anticipated the European Council meeting of 27-28 June, during which the EU Strategic Agenda for the next five years will be finalised. Creating an EU Competitiveness Deal is expected to be a central pillar of the EU Strategic Agenda.
In its opinion, SGI Europe stresses that the EU Competitiveness Deal should be seen as an opportunity to develop a European brand of competitiveness based on the EU’s strengths and values. Specifically, focusing on the development of strong SGIS will enable the EU to:
Build competitiveness from the bottom up
Long-term competitiveness and growth are based on creating an environment that allows businesses to grow and prosper. This means investing in SGIs, which provide the infrastructure (transport and digital infrastructure, cheap and green energy, circular waste management, clean water, etc.) and skilled workforce (through education and training) that allow for innovation and growth from the bottom up.
Put the Green Deal and circularity at the heart of competitiveness
The EU must use the potential competitive advantages of the Green Deal, such as developing innovative green technologies. Fully embracing a circular economy is also vital, as the EU lacks natural access to many critical raw materials, meaning that reusing them will reduce import dependencies. SGIs are central to this connection between the EU’s green and economic ambitions through their crucial role in developing green and circular solutions.
Strengthen social, territorial, and economic cohesion
While strengthening the competitiveness of the EU is necessary, this should not widen the economic gap between EU regions. Local production and service provision proved the most resilient during the pandemic. Well-organised local economies are in the best position to use investments efficiently, contributing not only to overall economic growth but also to creating local economic opportunities. Strong SGIs, as actors present in all types of local economies (urban, rural, and everything in between), are the key to making this happen.
Contact: Ruben Sansom
On 1 July 2024, the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union will start, taking over the reins from Belgium. Ahead of its official start, the Hungarian Presidency presented its programme and priorities earlier this week, as well as its schedule of meetings and its motto, “Make Europe Great Again”.
As highlighted in their programme and priorities, the Hungarian Presidency will be articulated around seven priorities:
Regarding the schedule of high-level meetings, the Hungarian Presidency has put forward some key moments, including a Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) meeting on 26 September, the informal meeting of employment and social policy ministers on 9-10 October, and two 17-18/10: European Council meetings on 17-18 October and 19 December.
More information is available on the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU's website.
Contact: Benoit Cassorla
On 27 June, SGI Europe participated in the European Commission’s conference on the challenges and opportunities of longevity in Europe. The conference's main objective was to promote open debates and explore the policy implications of longevity in Europe.
Discussions centred around two flagship publications: the Pension Adequacy Report of the Social Protection Committee and the Commission and the Ageing Report of the Economic Policy Committee and the Commission. The triennial reports offer a comparative, forward-looking analysis of the adequacy of old-age income and the sustainability of ageing-related expenditures.
The event brought together EU-level and national stakeholders and decision-makers, as well as experts from the Social Protection Committee and the Economic Policy Committee, social partners, international organisations, and academia. In this context, SGI Europe was invited to contribute to a panel discussion focusing more on the challenges for the labour market of an ageing population.
In this context, SGI Europe presented the Autonomous Framework Agreement on Active Ageing and an Intergenerational Approach signed on 8 March 2017 and further emphasised the need for Social Partners to continue working on awareness raising, age-positive recruitment measures, workforce mapping and planning, maintaining workability, supporting flexible working and intergenerational learning, and succession planning.
Contact: Guillaume Afellat
On Tuesday 25 June, SGI Europe participated in a one-day event organised by DG HOME titled “Priorities of the Home Affairs Funds” bringing together participants from non-governmental organisations, European institutions and agencies, and Member States representatives. The event was packed with insightful discussions and collaborative sessions. During the plenary meeting on policy orientation, representatives from the DG explored recent policy developments coinciding with the current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), highlighting significant achievements, initiatives, and critical areas of focus for DG HOME. The presentations and discussions that followed immediately after provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the funding landscape and its strategic alignment with broader EU priorities.
SGI Europe representatives had the opportunity to join the workshop on boosting the added value of Union Actions for better synergies with Member States’ programmes. Focusing mainly on the synergies of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) with other EU funds and emphasising labour market integration, this workshop was an excellent opportunity for SGI Europe to present the LABOUR-INT III project and to delve into the engagement of partners at local and regional levels. This session facilitated in-depth discussions on maximising the impact of EU funds and fostering practical cooperation between different levels of governance.
Overall, the event provided a valuable platform for SGI Europe and other stakeholders to engage in strategic discussions, share best practices, and align on future priorities for Home Affairs funding.
Contact: Cecilia Martin
On Monday 17 June, the Environment Council adopted the conclusions on the 8th Environmental Action Plan (EAP). Member States welcomed the progress made within the EU Green Deal, and they will continue the follow-up of the EAP and monitor the implementation of the Green Deal. Emphasis was laid on climate transition tools towards climate neutrality by calling for the end of fossil fuel subsidies and better coordinated global actions. The necessity of a new Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) was highlighted, alongside investments in nature, biodiversity, and climate adaptation.
The Council approved the acceleration of the EU resilience and sovereignty and welcomed the improved water resilience text, advocating for strategies supporting semi-arid states' sustainable water supplies. Since the European Commission has postponed the publication of an EU Water Resilience initiative, several EU stakeholders have called for such a communication to stress the importance of water for the environment, society, and the economy. SGI Europe signed such a petition back in mid-March to strengthen this call.
Overall, SGI Europe can welcome the adoption of the 8th EAP due to its strong commitment to the EU Green Deal and the CEAP and its emphasis on the importance of water across different sectors and its impact on the environment, society, and the economy.
Contact: Henriette Gleau
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