Brussels – Enhancing collaboration between Italian and French companies to drive Europe’s future forward. A summit between Confindustria and French counterpart Medef (Mouvement des Entreprises de France) concluded today (June 4) in Paris. With the upcoming European elections just days away (June 6-9), the top Italian and French business associations have signed a joint agreement to align their priorities in bolstering the position of European companies, which are crucial for the EU’s future.
The joint statement, arising from the sixth Italian-French economic forum, was signed by Emanuele Orsini, President of Confindustria, and Patrick Martin, President of Medef. The primary issue on the agenda for the new Eurolegislature is the issue of overregulation, which the EU needs to tackle and simplify the regulatory framework. In response, Confindustria and Medef commended the findings of Enrico Letta in the report on the European single market and are awaiting Mario Draghi’s report, scheduled for publication at the end of June. Given the current tense situation with war looming on the outskirts of the European Union, Brussels is re-evaluating its priorities. Consequently, Italian and French business associations are advocating for the creation of a “common market for the security and defence industry” to support military production.
The implementation of a “shock on investment” is seen as critical for the EU’s future prosperity in order to enhance the competitiveness of European companies. Confindustria and Medef are specifically calling for “a large European Sovereign Wealth Fund capable of mobilising up to €500 billion in private investment.” The EU should also back European companies by giving preference to technologies from the twenty-seven member states over those from competitors like China and the United States, provided they are of equal price and quality. Additionally, there is a push for technology neutrality and active promotion of nuclear power generation alongside other green energy sources.
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
