After years of slow growth and with rising geopolitical tensions, the EU is losing ground worldwide. It must urgently equip itself to address the challenges of an international environment where interdependence becomes weaponized and security is no longer ensured. For a block strongly committed to open trade and multilateralism, a rich and powerful market enjoying lasting peace, the shock of consciousness is indeed violent.

There needs to be massive investment in innovation, decarbonization, and security. The Competitiveness compass introduced a raft of initiatives since early 2025, sketching out a systemic approach. We will address the following issues: what is competitiveness? Can we speak of an aggiornamento today? How can it address the longstanding weaknesses that hamper EU competitiveness? Can it help solve internal hurdles such as financing, fragmentation of the internal market, disunited governance in the EU?

The debate will be held in English (no interpretation). Questions in French or English.

Access to the building with an EU badge or a valid identity card.

Speakers:

Introduction by Domenico Rossetti

• • Markus Ferber, MEP and Vice-President UEF

Moderation: Catherine Vieilledent, Secretary General Groupe Europe

When: Wednesday 9 April 2025, 19.00 - 20:30 pm

Where (in presence): CCAB 5-B, rue Froissart, 1040 Brussels

Registration imperative : groupe-europe@federalists.eu

Follow Online here: LINK  | Meeting ID: 337 164 895 318 Passcode: cb7Fk99q