The EU wants to strengthen Europe's competitiveness - here are our five common values

The EU has raised its ambitions to make Europe more competitive. This includes large funds and simpler rules, in line with the Draghi report's proposals. The European Forum of Northern Sweden (EFNS), which includes Region Norrbotten, has identified five important areas that need to be prioritized.

For northern Sweden, competitiveness is very important – there are both opportunities and challenges here. But the member states have different views on how competitiveness should be built. Sweden wants the market to drive development, and that state aid is used cautiously.

EFNS has identified five key areas that need to be prioritized so that the whole of Europe – including the northern regions – can contribute to the EU’s competitiveness. Here is a quick overview.

1. Government support
   EU state aid rules should be restrained to avoid distorting competition. Support should be channelled through EU programmes where the most competitive projects receive support. If state aid is used, it should be targeted at new industries, scale-up or strategic technologies – especially where other countries may try to disrupt EU production. Regions with particular challenges, such as northern Sweden, need continued support.

2. Rule simplifications
   Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need simpler rules. The EU's climate goals require clear and technology-neutral rules. The industry in northern Sweden, which is driving the green transition, needs stable conditions for business models to work.

3. trade policy
   EFNS supports free trade, but trade policy must also be strategic. The EU should create new partnerships and ensure that European companies have access to important markets. Local content in procurement should only be prioritized for strategic technologies – otherwise, the export industry could be negatively affected.

4. Electricity prices and energy policy
   Affordable electricity is crucial for industrial competitiveness. The EU needs to create better conditions for investments in power generation in all regions. This benefits both local and European companies.

5. SME, microenterprises and ecosystems
   Small businesses are the backbone of the EU economy. But today's support is often targeted at large companies, making it difficult for smaller players to participate. EFNS wants to see simpler forms of support and investments in clusters and ecosystems that strengthen entire value chains. The Regional Fund and Smart Specialisation Strategies are important tools.

Would you like to read the full position from Europaforum Northern Sweden? You can find it here.