economic competitiveness — Europe’s economic competitiveness took centre stage during a significant meeting of the Eurochambres presidency in Nicosia on Thursday. The gathering, hosted by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve), brought together influential figures from the European chambers network and senior officials from the Republic of Cyprus.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- He also underscored the strategic role of Eurochambres, which represents over 20 million businesses across Europe, in translating the daily realities of companies into actionable European policy.
This meeting marked an important occasion, occurring shortly after Cyprus assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It aimed to advance discussions on Europe’s competitiveness agenda, building on previous dialogues between the Cypriot government and Eurochambres.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Economic competitiveness: A Defining Moment for Europe
President Nikos Christodoulides opened the meeting, emphasising the pivotal role that chambers of commerce and industry play in bolstering enterprises and enhancing Europe’s economic resilience. He welcomed participants to Nicosia, where Keve president Stavros Stavrou highlighted the urgency of the discussions at this critical juncture for Europe’s economic future.
“Global competition is intensifying, driven by large-scale industrial strategies in the United States, long-term state-led policies in China, and fast-moving reforms in many other economies,” Stavrou noted. He cautioned that Europe could no longer depend on incremental changes to maintain its competitiveness, asserting that “competitiveness is about strategic choices.”
Strategic Choices for Competitiveness
Stavrou further articulated the importance of Europe remaining an attractive destination for investment and innovation. “It is about whether Europe remains a place where companies invest, innovate and grow, whether talent stays, and whether entrepreneurship is encouraged rather than constrained,” he stated.
He also underscored the strategic role of Eurochambres, which represents over 20 million businesses across Europe, in translating the daily realities of companies into actionable European policy.
Encouraging Momentum in Policy
Responding to the opening remarks, Eurochambres Deputy President Wouter Van Gulck expressed his appreciation for the focus on competitiveness during the Cypriot EU Presidency semester. He called for the agenda to gain real momentum, stressing the need for tangible results for Europe’s business community.
“Single market integration, regulatory burden reduction and international trade facilitation are key elements for economic growth,” Van Gulck asserted, highlighting the essential areas for progress.
Prioritising Industrial Competitiveness
Energy Minister Michael Damianos presented the priorities of the Competitiveness and Energy Councils of the Council of the European Union. He outlined Cyprus’ commitment to enhancing industrial competitiveness, promoting green and digital transitions, ensuring energy security, and improving the single market’s functionality.
“The priorities under the Cyprus Presidency place strong emphasis on reinforcing Europe’s industrial base and safeguarding energy security,” Damianos noted. He added that a well-functioning single market, alongside predictable regulation and affordable energy, is vital for enabling European enterprises, especially SMEs, to thrive and compete on a global scale.
In-Depth Discussions on Economic Trends
The meeting facilitated comprehensive exchanges on various topics, including regulatory simplification, the future of the single market, and the skills and innovation needed for European companies to compete internationally. Participants reviewed Eurochambres’ activities for 2025 and discussed strategic priorities for 2026.
Discussions also included the appointment of committee chairs for the 2026–2027 period, preparations for the Eurochambres Congress 2026, and options for the European Parliament Elections Programme 2027. A roundtable on current economic trends, regulatory challenges, and prospects for European business rounded out the agenda.
Eurochambres concluded that it will continue to collaborate closely with the Cyprus Presidency and European institutions to ensure that competitiveness remains a central focus of Europe’s policy agenda.
