On 8 and 9 February 2024, Flemish minister for industry Jo Brouns and Federal minister of economy Pierre-Yves Dermagne welcomed their European counterparts in Genk for the Informal Competitiveness Council under the Belgian Presidency of the EU. During this two-day event, the European ministers reflected together on the future of the internal market and European industry.
“Coming together with my European counterparts at this pivotal moment was very important. We discussed boosting the European industry’s resilience and competitiveness. Now is the time to shape a resilient future together!”- Flemish minister for Industry Jo Brouns
More than ever, the European industry is at the center of policy discussions. With recent crises, geopolitical shifts and a threatening/imminent global trend towards protectionism, Europe needs to rethink how to strenghten its industry and internal market, making them more resilient and competitive. Moreover, in light of the green and digital transition, this must be done in the most sustainable manner possible. On 8 and 9 February 2024, Belgium sets the scene for a semesterial highlight for ministers with industry and internal market portfolios. The event focused on the way forward for Europe to create a lasting favourable (policy) environment for industry and replacing the single market as a core tool to achieve the deep transition while enhancing social cohesion.
Achieving a future-proof European industrial strategy is a challenge. Therefore, the ministers discussed several elements that must be taken into account when developing a strategy that will contribute to a more resilient and competitive European industry and internal market.
“It’s time to reflect on the future of the single market in order to ensure it is an asset for the twin transition and for social cohesion pursuing the legacy of Jacques Delors.” – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Employment Pierre-Yves Dermagne
Belgian decor – Thor Park Genk
A symbolic location was chosen to bring together the EU ministers for discussions on the future of the European industry. The converted mining site “Thor Park” in Genk symbolises how the industry of the past can make way for an industry of the future. European funds were an important facilitator in the conversion of the site. The visiting ministers were also welcomed in three Belgian companies (EnergyVille, Aperam and 3B-Fibreglass) in Genk and Herve (Province of Liège).
Strategic momentum
The Belgian presidency is the last presidency before a new European Commission will enter office. It comes at a crucial moment for the European industry and for the future of the single market. It is therefore the intention of Belgium, at the end of the current legislative term, to take the interventions and reflections of this Informal Council on board as recommendations to the next European Commission.
Belgium wants to seize this strategic momentum for future industrial policy and a Single Market strategy.
“European industrial and Single Market policies work hand in hand to strenghten our production capacities, secure our supply chains, create quality jobs and export our technologies and products. More than ever, we must accompany our industries and citizens in their transition, and invest together in our common European interest.” – EU Commissioner for internal market Thierry Breton
David Jordens, spokesperson – porte-parole – woordvoerder
TEL: +32 2 501 80 50, GSM: +32 478 92 09 37,
EMAIL: david.jordens@diplobel.fed.be
Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union
Rue des Petits Carmes / Karmelietenstraat 15
Brussels 1000 – Belgium
belgium24.eu