Brussels, 04 November (STA) - European industry is quickly losing competitiveness, endangering jobs and the strategic independence of Europe, the Slovenian delegation said at a meeting of business representatives in the European Parliament on Tuesday. They highlighted the importance of competitive energy prices, an effective EU market and gradual green transition.
A year after the report on Europe's competitiveness drafted by Mario Draghi, the EU has implemented only 11% of his recommendations, which is why it has resorted to omnibus legislation packages, said Marko Djinović, the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS).
"We find ourselves at a crucial moment when we need the first results of the complex bureaucratic process to empower us for more decisive measures in the future towards a more suitable financial and other support for the economy, reducing red tape and a stronger integration of the single market," Djinović was quoted as saying by the GZS.
Among key reasons for the decreasing competitiveness of European industry, AquafilSLO general director Denis Jahić stressed high energy prices. They are brought on by growing costs of CO2 emissions, bureaucracy and lengthy processes to obtain permits, he said, adding: "A weak industry cannot afford to invest in new decarbonisation technologies."
Slovenian business representatives working in logistics and IT, as well as chemical, paper, automotive and food industries pointed out that lower energy costs are crucial for their competitiveness, the GZS said.
Small and medium-sized enterprises still face high regulatory requirements and complex administrative procedures, the business representatives said, adding that the EU should improve the competitiveness of its industry by promoting demand for European clean and low-carbon technologies.
In a discussion on international trade, the Slovenian delegation endorsed a higher integration of EU candidate countries in the single market, saying that it would positively affect economic growth and create more business opportunities.
The delegation also advocated for strong free trade agreements, especially with growing markets.
The geopolitical tensions have led to disturbances in supply chains in Slovenia, especially in industries that depend on global input raw materials, the business representatives said, noting that US tariffs have also had a negative impact.
The meeting was attended by more than 700 business representatives from all EU states and other countries. The Slovenian delegation met with Slovenian MEPs and the representatives of Slovenia's Permanent Representation to the EU, the GZS said.
