Speakers
Objectives
Over the past 25 years, the European Union (EU) has accumulated a significant economic performance gap with the rest of the world, in particular with the United States (US). One of the most striking aspects of this gap is the persistent difference in growth, productivity and investment levels. The global financial crisis of 2008, the subsequent sovereign debt crisis in Europe, the recent COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian war in Ukraine have all exacerbated these underlying problems.
This opening plenary session will assess the main reasons why Europe’s economic performance has fallen behind its global competitors, in particular the United States, over the last fifteen years. The panel will then focus on the main priorities for improving the competitiveness of the European economy, especially vis-à-vis the United States.
Points of discussion
- What are the main reasons why Europe’s economic performance has fallen behind that of its global competitors, particularly the United States, over the last fifteen years?
- What are the priorities to improve the competitiveness of the European economy vis-à-vis the United States and China? Can some of the best American practices be replicated in Europe? What additional national and European measures should be planned for the next European legislative cycle to improve the economic competitiveness of the European Union and increase the willingness of Member States to cooperate?