Europaforum Northern Sweden (EFNS) has issued a new position on the European Commission’s proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). The statement responds to the Commission’s legislative proposal and emphasizes the need to strengthen opportunities for small businesses, as well as to recognize the role of regions and municipalities in Europe’s industrial development.
A new fund to boost EU competitiveness
Following the new Commission’s start in 2024, competitiveness has been placed high on the EU political agenda. The Commission proposes to consolidate twelve existing EU funds into a single Competitiveness Fund worth approximately €234 billion to strengthen European industry and innovation.
EFNS welcomes the ambition and sees significant potential in the new fund.
– The European Union’s new Competitiveness Fund has a great opportunity to strengthen European industry by including small businesses and regions. That is where much of the drive, innovation, and future solutions come from, says Anders Öberg, Regional Councilor in Norrbotten and rapporteur for Europaforum Northern Sweden.
EFNS points out that the current regulatory framework is relatively broad and gives the European Commission significant influence over how resources are allocated, which makes inclusive design essential.
Greater focus on micro and small enterprises
A central element of EFNS’s position is that micro and small enterprises should be explicitly included in the fund. EFNS recommends, among other measures, that at least ten percent of the fund’s resources be earmarked for these companies and that support instruments be designed with simpler application processes and lower administrative requirements.
Regions as key actors in industrial investment
EFNS also emphasizes that regions and municipalities play a central role in EU competitiveness policy. Experiences from Northern Sweden’s green industrial investments show that local and regional levels are crucial for infrastructure, skills development, and community planning.
– By giving regions and municipalities a clear role in the fund, strong conditions are created for investments, jobs, and sustainable growth across Europe, says Johan Loock, Regional Politician in Jämtland Härjedalen and rapporteur for Europaforum Northern Sweden.
EFNS believes that regions and municipalities should be eligible to receive support from the fund, for example for investments in housing, infrastructure, and local innovation environments that enable industrial establishment. The goal is for the EU’s new Competitiveness Fund to strengthen Europe’s industrial development as a whole — including the regions of Northern Sweden.