Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The current rotating Belgian Presidency of the European Union, represented by Flemish Industry Minister Jo Bruens and Federal Economy Minister Pierre-Yves Dermany, organized a meeting with their European counterparts in Genk to attend the informal competitiveness council. During this two-day weekend event, European ministers thought together about the future of the internal market and European industry. “Meeting with my European counterparts at this pivotal moment was very important,” Industry Minister Joe Bruns said in a statement issued in Brussels. The statement quoted Industry Minister Joe Bruns as saying: Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of European industry. Now is the time to shape a resilient future together!”
According to the European statement, “More than ever, European industry has become at the center of political discussions. In light of the recent crises, geopolitical transformations, and the imminent global trend towards protectionist measures, Europe needs to rethink how to strengthen its industry and its internal market, and make it more flexible and able to Competition. Moreover, in light of the green and digital transformation, this must be done in the most sustainable way possible. On 8 and 9 February 2024, Belgium provided the scene for a half-term highlight for ministers with portfolios of industry and internal markets. The event focused on the way forward For Europe to create a lastingly favorable (policy) environment for industry and replace the single market as an essential instrument for achieving deep transformation while strengthening social cohesion.
Achieving a future-proof European industrial strategy is a major challenge. Therefore, the Ministers discussed several elements that should be taken into account when developing a strategy that would contribute to a more flexible and competitive European industry and internal market.
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Employment, Pierre-Yves Dermany, said
“It is time to think about the future of the single market in order to ensure that it is a source of strength for the dual transition and for social cohesion, following on from the legacy of Jacques Delors.”
“A symbolic site has been chosen to bring together EU ministers for discussions on the future of European industry,” the statement from the current Belgian presidency of the Union said. “The converted mining site ‘Thor Park’ in Genk symbolizes how the industry of the past can make way for the industry of the future. European money has been an important facilitator.” In the transformation of the site. Visiting ministers were also welcomed at three Belgian companies (EnergyVille, Aperam and 3B-Fibreglass) in the cities of Genque and Hervé (Department of Liège).
Strategic momentum
The Belgian presidency is the last presidency before the new European Commission takes over its duties. This comes at a crucial moment for European industry and the future of the single market. Belgium therefore intends, at the end of the current legislative term, to take the interventions and ideas of this informal council into account as recommendations for the next European Commission.
Belgium wants to seize this strategic momentum for future industrial policy and the single market strategy.
“Industrial policies and European single market policies work hand in hand to strengthen our production capacities, secure our supply chains, create good jobs and export our technologies and products. More than ever, we must accompany our industries and our citizens in their transitions, and invest together in our common European interest.” According to European Union Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton