In view of the upcoming elections for the European Parliament, SEV is submitting to the public debate the concerns, proposals and priorities of the Greek business community for the next period 2024-2029, with the special edition it released today. As highlighted in the publication, there is an urgent need to answer how Europe can change its course, in order to address the growing competitiveness deficit and strengthen its growth dynamics with a horizon of 2030. It is indicative that while in terms of purchasing power, the economy of the EU in 2008 was 5.8% stronger than the US, in 2022 the US economy is stronger than the EU by 4.7%.

The European elections highlight the need for a clear message of a change of course for:

• An evolving EU, develops and prospers with modern and open horizons, in a world that is constantly changing
• An EU of cohesion and coherencewhich builds a resilient, competitive and sustainable economy as a condition of security and perspective
• An EU with business in the lead in international trade, in the digital and green transition, in innovation, constantly creating value today and for generations to come.
• An EU that is a point of reference in terms of quality of life and attracting talent.

The direction towards 2030

As pointed out in the edition at a time of intense geopolitical challenges, the success of the common European effort depends to a great extent on how we strengthen five main pillars of the European edifice, and in particular:

• A better and more efficient Single Marketwithout over-regulation, with infrastructures that connect us and with regions that develop in a balanced way.
• A shock of regulatory simplification and structurally less bureaucracy, so that businesses (especially SMEs) can operate and invest in a friendly business environment
• Strengthening re-industrialisationfor more resilience, jobs in centers and regions, production of innovative products and international trade.
• Strengthening the labor market with modern knowledge and flexibility in the working environment, so that people and businesses can adapt to changes in work and professions.
• Accelerated and successful transition to sustainable entrepreneurshipas an integral element of the legacy for future generations.

The CEO of SEV Dr. George Xirogiannis pointed out: “The resilience of the domestic industry to crises, the reforms of the State and the confidence of investors are sources of optimism for Greece. But in a rapidly changing world, no EU country has the size to go it alone, let alone a smaller one. In the European elections, we decide whether and how we will participate in the debate on the European restart, since the progress of Greece is based on our choices that shape an EU of development, cohesion and talent”.

Besides, the Thursday, May 23 2024, at 17:30, SEV organizes an event with the theme: “European elections 2024: The world is changing. Can Europe?».

At the event, which will be coordinated by Mr. Alexis PapahelasDirector of the newspaper KATHIMERINI, Mr. Dimitris PapalexopoulosPresident of the Board of Directors of SEV, Vice President of ERT and Evangelos MytileneosVice-Chairman of the BOD BSE, President of Eurometaux, will discuss the direction and priorities set by businesses and how the EU can respond with convincing answers.

Read on HERE the special edition of the BSE