Europe Asia News

Belgian Prime Minister De Wever stated that three urgent priorities aimed at increasing Europe’s competitiveness were agreed upon at yesterday’s informal European Council meeting in Alden Biesen.

De Wever said the priorities are lowering energy costs, simplifying bureaucratic procedures and protecting the European market against unfair trade. In his statement, he said: “Europe can only assert itself if it is economically strong – and this strength depends on a competitive industrial base.”

Emphasizing that energy costs must be reduced, particularly in the industrial sector, De Wever said that reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) is an important tool in this regard: “Europe cannot remain a global economic power if our companies are structurally disadvantaged.”

Stressing that simplifying bureaucratic procedures is essential so that entrepreneurs can devote their time to innovation and job creation, De Wever stated: “Our entrepreneurs should spend their time on innovation and creating jobs, not dealing with unnecessary regulations.”

De Wever underlined that protecting the European market against unfair trade practices is also a key priority, saying: “Openness must go hand in hand with fair trade.”

De Wever noted that the European Commission has been tasked with presenting a concrete roadmap by the official European Council meeting in March. In the long term, he said Europe must evolve from a common market into “a true Single Market,” adding that integration in savings, investment, telecommunications and energy will provide strength. “If we implement what we agreed upon in Alden Biesen, this summit may be remembered as a turning point, the moment of transition to a true Single Market that strengthens our prosperity and strategic autonomy.”

De Wever concluded his remarks by emphasizing action: “History is written not with intentions, but with actions. Now is the time to act.”