Israel Trade Mission to the EU’s Post

As I am taking the right amount of time to digest the 328 pages of in-depth analysis and recommendation stemming from "The future of European competitiveness", some initial thoughts on the first part of the report - " A competitiveness strategy for Europe" and on the press conference (please look at it in its entirety, if you have not done so yet): - The simple fact that someone who was born in 1947 needs to remind us that our common home, Europe, is at stake means that my generation has totally failed in understanding what the EU project is all about. Those in their thirties and their forties give the EU for granted, don´t recognize its added value and therefore fail to realize the existential threat that the failure of the European project would entail. This needs to be addressed by intervening in our education systems and profoundly change they way we communicate about Europe. - Many stakeholders have already started to pick and choose their dedicated part of the report to seek confirmation of their own view of the matter. That´s a mistake, as it needs to be read as a whole and might include things that are aligned with a specific sectors´stance and others going in the opposite direction. Draghi´s proposals have a chance to work only if combined and not worked out in isolation. - In 24 hours since its publication, we have already witnessed some fierce reactions from the so called "frugal" stakeholders, i.e. those political parties or even single individuals that are opposed to further integration if that entails sharing debt and/or devoting more - real - power to the EU institutions. Now it is peculiar that these stances mostly come from small Northern countries which are the ones most benefiting from the EU Single Market. As far as Germany is concerned, hopefully the decision-making power in the most important EU MS will not be significantly influenced by a 5% party which is supposed to belong to the "pro-EU" Renew family, but rather behaves as the most nationalistic of the Patriots. - As of today, Mario Draghi is probably the most respected public figure worldwide. In 20 years time historians will maybe wonder why we didn´t give the keys of the EU bloc to this man, whose comprehensive vision for our society goes well beyond the economic and competitive side of things: it is a rare combination of long-term view, free of any ideological constraints and moved by no personal ambition other than the purpose of serving the common interest. A true embodiment of what leadership and civil service stands for. https://lnkd.in/g3CB6-h8

I do know: each of us always has a daily #routine which is extremely busy. Nevertheless, if you can manage to free a bit of time from your planned schedule, I do suggest to listen to Draghi’s #speech. We surely can talk about the content of the #Report, which is indeed full of #strategies (if not done yet, have a look: I can assure it is worth it). Yet, there is something #more. Something deeper and broader at the same time. And you can find it in #Draghi’s words. “Europe’s fundamental #values are prosperity, equity, freedom, peace and democracy in a sustainable environment. The EU exists to ensure that Europeans can always benefit from these fundamental #rights. If Europe can no longer provide them to its people it will have lost its reason for #being.” I would call it a #vision, in a speech made now but able to set a #path for the next years. A vision which is clear and goes beyond economics, addressing Europe itself and its existence. Why is that? Because Europe is facing an #existential challenge. Now more than ever. And there is only one way to win this #challenge: “A radical #change, which will have to be #urgent and #concrete”. There’s a ton of #work to do. Let's go! https://lnkd.in/dbamkxnK

Today I am delighted to announce a new chapter in my professional career following my appointment as Secretary-General of the European Round Table for Industry - ERT. I´m proud to join Europe´s unique industrial & business asset, bringing together the leading lights of European industry, with 40 years of experience inspiring, supporting & partnering with the #EuropeanUnion & Member states, to advance the EU project. At the outset in 1983, ERT fashioned the original concept that, in partnership with the Delors Commission, gave birth in 1992 to the EU Single Market. As I join, Europe is once again at a fork in the road requiring fundamental transformations to secure the future of its economy & society, as a new political cycle begins at the EU. The impetus provided by the reports produced Enrico Letta to complete the #SingleMarket in the Digital Era & #MarioDraghi to maximise Europe´s competitiveness in this rough, tough geopolitical environment, allied to President Ursula von der Leyen´s political vision & commitment to deliver tangible results, provide the ideal platform to help #ERT rise once again to the occasion, harnessing its commitment, intellect, influence & capacity to make a meaningful difference, to help Europe realise its ambitions. Throughout my professional life, including 30 years with the European Commission & OECD - OCDE, I have found myself at the nexus between the public & private spheres & sectors working hand in glove with the key sector of civil society & policyshaping that is business & industry: in the early 1990s, acting as a bridge between media & music industries and the EU to grasp opportunities offered by the Single Market; distilling EU economic interests in a successful Free Trade Agreement with Mexico implemented in 2000; in WTO Ministerial in Seattle & Doha to launch a multilateral trade negotiations; in ensuring EU objectives were secured with China´s WTO entry China supporting #PascalLamy. Constructive relations with business & industry were at the hub of things. This continued as an EU diplomat in the US & UK, helping manage Transatlantic relations & disputes post-911, or harnessing the support of business to address Climate Change. At #OECD, with Angel Gurría , the challenge to overcome the #GlobalFinancialCrisis and put the global #economy on a stronger, cleaner, fairer footing, involved engaging business & industry in overhauling the global #tax system, partnering to put #wellbeing at the centre of policymaking, promote #inclusivegrowth, tackle #ClimateChange, harness the #digital transformation & #AI, #GlobalValueChains, #TradeInValueAdded or promoting #ResponsibleBusinessConduct. I feel honoured, privileged to take on this responsibility, working with a team of great professionals in the Secretariat to build on the successes of my predecessor Frank Heemskerk. My thanks to ERT Chair #JeanFrançoisvanBoxmeer & the membership for the trust placed in me. https://lnkd.in/d_QfwSKe

The last line in the below paragraph may be most important. There are good justifications for scrutinizing the traditional U.S. approach to trade policy - rushing to ink free trade agreements for the sake of having something concrete and binding on paper, but often without sufficient pre- and post-assessment of the efficacy and mutual benefits of those agreements - and instead taking a more methodical approach to first building alignment on foundational economic and trade principles with international partners. However, the fact is that many countries in Latin America are asserting their desire for comprehensive trade agreements with the U.S. and Europe and we are largely dithering and failing to engage in any meaningful way with that demand, all while China makes moves on all fronts and considerable economic gains in the region. More coordinated U.S.-EU trade policy with the region would in principle be very strategic, but we need more thoughtful and tailored offerings on a bilateral and multilateral level. "The U.S. actively seeks to maintain regional influence as its global competition with China intensifies. Meanwhile, the European Union has also attempted to remain competitive with Beijing in Latin America as it has lost ground to its so-called systemic rival in regional trade and financing. Both powers seek to shore up their commercial credentials with LAC’s economies while facing little domestic appetite for free trade agreements." (views expressed in this post are my own and should not be interpreted as reflecting the view of the U.S. Government and Department of Commerce) #latinamerica #unitedstates #europeanunion #americalatina #estadosunidos #unioneuropea #tradepolicy #politicadecomercio #economiccooperation #cooperacioneconomica

View this email in your browser FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 24, 2024 CONTACT: media@ustr.eop.gov Readout of Ambassador Katherine Tai’s Meeting with Ambassador of the European Union to the United States Jovita Neliupšienė WASHINGTON - United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai met today with Ambassador of the European Union to the United States Jovita Neliupšienė. Ambassador Tai and Ambassador Neliupšienė discussed a number of issues, including U.S.-EU cooperation to deter economic coercion, joint efforts to diversify supply chains, and the need to address non-market policies and practices around the world. They also discussed ongoing workstreams from the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council, the U.S.-EU Large Civil Aircraft Working Group, trade and climate, and shared priorities at the World Trade Organization. Ambassador Tai and Ambassador Neliupšienė agreed to remain in close contact on these important issues.

Mario Draghi's new (released today) EU competitiveness report signals a significant shift. The bloc is inching closer to an industrial policy that prioritizes digitalization, decarbonization, and defense, a direct response to Joe Biden’s bold state interventionism and China’s long-standing strategic planning. What’s striking is the quiet convergence between Brussels and Washington: both appear to have accepted that, to challenge China, they must emulate parts of its playbook. The irony is rich. The West, historically a champion of market-driven growth, now sees industrial policy as a necessity to compete in a world remade by Beijing’s ambitions. https://lnkd.in/d_YK-AV7

The future of European competitiveness – A competitiveness strategy for Europe Europe faces a critical juncture in its economic and geopolitical landscape, marked by slowing growth, increasing global competition, and rising security risks. The continent has struggled to maintain its growth trajectory compared to the US, largely due to a stagnation in productivity and innovation. Despite strong foundations in education and welfare, Europe has not translated these strengths into competitive industries, particularly in advanced technologies. This gap is exemplified by the lack of EU companies in the top echelons of global market capitalization compared to their US counterparts, and a general failure to commercialize innovations effectively. The transition to a decarbonized economy represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Europe. While the EU is a leader in clean technologies, including wind turbines and low-carbon fuels, it faces intense competition from China. China's aggressive industrial policies and subsidies threaten to undermine Europe's clean tech sector and automotive industries. To harness the benefits of decarbonisation, Europe needs a unified strategy that integrates energy production with clean technology development, ensuring that climate goals support rather than hinder economic growth. Security and reduced dependencies are vital for sustainable growth. Europe's reliance on a few suppliers for critical raw materials and digital technologies exposes it to significant geopolitical risks. To mitigate these risks, the EU must develop a comprehensive foreign economic policy, strengthen trade agreements, and enhance its defense capabilities. By addressing these dependencies and bolstering its defense industry, Europe can secure its economic future while maintaining its core values of prosperity, equity, and democratic freedom. https://lnkd.in/dc9rGXvw European Central Bank #MarioDraghi #EconomicGrowth #Innovation #Decarbonisation #CleanTech #Geopolitics #EnergySecurity #DefenseIndustry #SustainableGrowth #TechLeadership #EUChallenges #Europe #China #USA #Productivity #Strategy

Reimagining Europe’s Economic Future: A Call for Strategic Action! The recent European Commission report on “The Future of European Competitiveness” underscores a pivotal moment for Europe. As EU growth lags behind China and the US, it’s clear that historical conditions are shifting. The Draghi report highlights the need for Europe to rethink its growth model amidst fading geopolitical advantages. Key Challenges: Innovation Deficit: Europe’s widening innovation gap threatens global competitiveness. Accelerating tech development and fostering new growth engines is crucial. Energy and Decarbonization: Balancing lower energy costs with a transition to a carbon-neutral economy is essential. Decarbonization must be integrated into core industrial strategies. Geopolitical Instability: Europe’s dependence on external powers has become a vulnerability. A revamped foreign economic policy is needed to protect European interests. Strategic Imperatives: Unified Industrial Strategy: A cohesive pan-European approach is necessary to close the innovation gap and enhance technological competitiveness. Competitiveness Mindset Shift: Europe should lead in high-value, knowledge-driven industries rather than relying on cost-cutting measures. Single Market Deepening: Strengthening the single market with aligned policies and increased investment in public goods is critical for future success. Europe’s path forward demands modernization of its economic foundations. The urgency is clear: Europe needs more integration, not less! #Europe #Competitiveness #Innovation #Energy #Decarbonization #GeopoliticalStability #IndustrialStrategy #SingleMarket #EconomicGrowth https://lnkd.in/dADAGFSm

View this email in your browser FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 24, 2024 CONTACT: media@ustr.eop.gov Readout of Ambassador Katherine Tai’s Meeting with Ambassador of the European Union to the United States Jovita Neliupšienė WASHINGTON - United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai met today with Ambassador of the European Union to the United States Jovita Neliupšienė. Ambassador Tai and Ambassador Neliupšienė discussed a number of issues, including U.S.-EU cooperation to deter economic coercion, joint efforts to diversify supply chains, and the need to address non-market policies and practices around the world. They also discussed ongoing workstreams from the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council, the U.S.-EU Large Civil Aircraft Working Group, trade and climate, and shared priorities at the World Trade Organization. Ambassador Tai and Ambassador Neliupšienė agreed to remain in close contact on these important issues.

Europe - the next step. Digitalization, decarbonization and diversification as the cornerstones of a new economic strategy. This only works if the member states cooperate with each other. That is why 200 leading figures from politics, business, and academia will come together at the AHK Europe Conference on October 3rd and 4th, 2024 in Warsaw to discuss the future of the European economy. Topics such as industrial competitiveness, the climate crisis, and European resilience will be at the forefront. #PartnerForBusiness #PartnerWorldWide #AHKKroatien