How to improve Europe’s competitiveness through transatlantic relations?

This was the guiding question for a discussion we co-organised with the Atlantic Council in Warshaw on 29 May 2024. This was one of the discussions organized as part of the series promoting our recently launched publication Improving Europe’s Competitiveness – Role of Open Markets, Emerging Technologies, and Strategic Alliances.

The topic of increasing the EU’s competitiveness is a hot topic nowadays, especially in the period before the EU elections. At the discussion, the speakers focused on the obstacles and opportunities ahead of the EU Commission’s and parliament’s next mandate for increasing the EU’s competitiveness, especially related to new technologies and transatlantic partnership.

Continued and strong transatlantic cooperation is vital, especially for CEE countries, from two perspectives: geopolitical and practical. Strong transatlantic partnership can help, especially, smaller CEE countries that do not have the capacities for the economies of scale to catch up with the rest of EU countries.

All European countries are small compared to other countries, making the EU single market and its further integration the engine of its competitiveness. But while fragmentation of the European market decelerates scaling up, it does have positive consequences for consumers as it contributes to larger internal competition.

One of the primary missions of the next mandate should be to implement all the newly adopted regulations. This is especially vital for SMEs – the pockets of competitiveness in CEE countries. It should be noted that regulation is not the same as a restriction; regulation is also clarity and stability.

To be able to fully tap into the potential of AI and other new technologies, we need a robust data strategy if we wish to be competitive in the field. Additionally, one of the main issues that can spur competitiveness and growth is mobilisation of public and private investments.

This was discussed by

• Mr. Aleksander Siemaszko, Deputy Director, Department for International Trade and Cooperation, Ministry of Development and Technology of the Republic of Poland
• Amb. Tadej Rupel, National Coordinator for External Aspects of Digitalization, AI & Cyber Security, Republic of Slovenia
• Ms. Eglė Markevičiūtė, Head of Digital & Innovation Policy, Consumer Choice Center of Lithuania
• Mr. Marcin Nowacki, Vice President of the Board, Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP)

The discussion was moderated by Mr. Aaron Korewa, Director, Warsaw Office, Europe Center, Atlantic Council

Many thanks to the Atlantic Council for this fruitful cooperation!

It’s been a week since CEP, in collaboration with the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE), hosted a discussion in Brussels focusing on improving the EU’s competitiveness. During this event, we officially unveiled our latest publication titled: “Improving Europe’s Competitiveness: Role of Open Markets, Emerging Technologies, and Strategic Alliances”.

At the discussion the speakers engaged in an in-depth discussion on improving the EU’s competitiveness, covering various aspects of the topic. Among the things they discussed was the consideration of adjustments needed to the EU AI Act, while acknowledging the complexities of negotiating regulations for swiftly evolving technologies at the EU level. In this context, they grappled with the challenge of striking a balance between regulations for protection and flexible frameworks to stimulate innovation.

They underscored the need for further integration of the EU’s Single Market as the engine for improving EU’s competitiveness. They emphasized the importance of fostering transatlantic cooperation and collaborating with like-minded partners to bolster the EU’s standing in the global arena. They also explored strategies for tapping into the digital transformation potential of the CEE region, recognizing it as a valuable opportunity for enhancing competitiveness.

Many thanks again to the speakers for and engaging and insightful discussion!

• Matthias Bauer, Director, European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE)
• David Brozina, Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Representation of Slovenia to the EU
• Guido Lobrano, Senior Vice President of Policy, Director General for Europe, The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)
• Karen Massin, Head Government Affairs and Public Policy – EU Institutions, Google
• Alexandre Roure, Head of Policy and Deputy Head of Office, CCIA Europe

For more on the topic, make sure to read the latest CEP publication here.

The Centre for European Perspective is launching a new publication, “Improving Europe’s Competitiveness: Role of Open Markets, Emerging Technologies, and Strategic Alliances,” which explores the critical role of AI and emerging technologies in bolstering the EU’s competitiveness.

The publication will be officially launched following a breakfast discussion organised in cooperation with the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE).

The breakfast discussion will take place on Monday, 8th April 2024 at 09:00, at the Palace of the Academies, Rubens Hall. 

Registration for the breakfast discussion is now open. You are kindly invited to join us. Please register here.

The publication and the breakfast discussion explore how can the EU increase its competitiveness by taking advantage of emerging technologies, open markets and strategic alliances.

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark wake-up call, emphasising the urgent need for the EU to improve its resilience against crises. Two years later, with the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the focus of the EU shifted towards urgent improvements to EU’s security. Now, as we stand on the brink of a new era dominated by Artificial Intelligence, our focus is shifting towards enhancing the EU’s competitiveness.

AI and other emerging technologies have the power to accelerate economic growth and reshape industries in profound and unprecedented ways. If the EU is to be a global economic powerhouse, it will have to wholeheartedly embrace the vast potential of AI. The EU’s commitment to embracing AI and other emerging technologies will have to be reflected in substantial investments in research and development, a forward-thinking regulatory environment that fosters innovation while ensuring ethical standards as well as safe and trustworthy technology, and a robust infrastructure that supports the growth of AI technologies and their implementation.

At the discussion and in the event, we will tackle the following question: Is the EU prepared and capable of taking full advantage of the opportunities that the AI revolution is offering? What is holding the EU back, and what are its strengths that can be tapped into? What is the role of open markets in improving Europe’s competitiveness? Developing trustworthy and safe AI demands a collaborative global effort–how and when should the EU engage with international partners to maintain its competitive edge?