In a CoR Opinion on the future of the EU’s Single Market and competitiveness, Regional Minister of Noord-Brabant (Netherlands) Martijn Van Gruijthuijsen analyses the reports by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi. In the Opinion adopted at CoR plenary on 20-21 November 2024, he calls on Europe to rethink its strategies and take bold action to shape its future.

As Europe faces an increasingly complex global economic landscape, the European Union is at a crossroads. To maintain its leadership role in key industries, secure long-term prosperity, and navigate pressing challenges such as the digital and green transitions, the EU must intensify efforts to boost its competitiveness. In this context, Martijn Van Gruijthuijsen, Regional Minister of Noord-Brabant, calls for transformative changes to the EU’s economic policies, particularly focusing on the future of the Single Market and the role of EU cities and regions.

At the center of the opinion is the call for a technology-neutral approach that allows regions to capitalize on their unique strengths. This includes encouraging innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. However, as a firm believer of cross-border cooperation, Martijn Van Gruijthuijsen stresses that innovation should not be confined to the most advanced regions alone. While some areas are already leading the charge, others need additional support to catch up. Van Gruijthuijsen urges the European Commission to foster a closer partnership with regional and local authorities. This way the EU can create more tailored solutions that respect local circumstances, promote economic development, and build resilience against external shocks.

As regional minister, responsible for economic policy in one of Europe’s most innovative regions, van Gruijthuijsen underlines the necessity for the EU to position itself as a global front-runner in crucial technologies. His report advocates for a more assertive approach to the global marketplace, one that actively defends Europe’s interests while securing its role in vital industries like automotive, defense, and renewable energy. This ambitious vision draws from the reports by Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta, which highlight the urgent need for EU cohesion to confront economic uncertainties. The European Committee of the Regions in this regard emphasizes that the EU’s competitiveness is intrinsically linked to its capacity to innovate, adapt, and leverage the strengths of its diverse regions.​

While regional development is vital, the report also emphasizes the importance of reducing Europe’s dependency on foreign critical raw materials. A more resilient and independent EU will require a concerted effort to secure its supply chains, particularly in the context of rapidly evolving global competition. This strategy includes further investment in renewable energy, nuclear power, and digital infrastructure. Equally pressing is the need for a streamlined approach to EU legislation, claims Van Gruijthuijsen. As he points out, the growing regulatory burden on businesses is a significant challenge to European competitiveness. The EU must not only simplify legislation but ensure it aligns with the principles of the Green Deal to support sustainable economic development. Finally, one of the standout proposals is the creation of new financial instruments to support scale-ups and innovations. The Opinion encourages EU institutions to adapt funding systems that cater specifically to the needs of growing businesses, particularly those working on strategic projects like the EU’s semiconductor and AI sectors.

Martijn Van Gruijthuijsen reiterates that the EU’s Single Market is one of its greatest strengths but that it needs urgent modernization. Recent global disruptions have exposed its vulnerabilities, and he insists that any reform of the Single Market must not only address internal barriers but also create a regulatory environment conducive to innovation and cross-border collaboration. In conclusion, the CoR Opinion underscores the necessity of a united, coordinated approach across all levels of governance to make the EU competitive in the future. EU institutions must set clear, ambitious goals, while ensuring that regions and cities are actively involved in shaping and implementing policies. The ambition is clear: if Europe can unite around a common set of goals and foster innovation, it has the potential to become the world’s leading economic power. By recognizing the unique strengths of each region, investing in critical sectors, and modernizing the Single Market, the EU can face the challenges of the future with confidence—leading in technological innovation, economic resilience, and global competitiveness.

To read the full CoR Opinion, click here.
For a summary of the main points, click here.