The Europragmatist
The Europragmatist Podcast
State of the Union - EU Competitiveness: Single Market, Innovation, and Global Trade
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State of the Union - EU Competitiveness: Single Market, Innovation, and Global Trade

09/02/2025 - Episode 4

In this episode of Euro Pragmatist, we dive deep into the European Union’s ongoing efforts to enhance its global competitiveness. Drawing insights from the 2025 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report, we examine how the EU is navigating economic challenges, fostering innovation, and reinforcing the Single Market as a powerhouse for businesses and consumers alike.

We explore key themes, including:

  • The Strengths and Shortcomings of the Single Market: Despite its vast economic scale, persistent regulatory barriers and administrative burdens continue to hinder integration, particularly in services.

  • Innovation and Investment Challenges: While the EU boasts strong research capabilities, it struggles to commercialize discoveries and attract venture capital, trailing behind the US and China in high-tech industries.

  • Digital Transformation and AI Adoption: The EU lags in digitalization, with slow adoption rates of AI, cloud computing, and data analytics among businesses, posing a risk to future competitiveness.

  • Energy and Industrial Policy: High energy costs, strategic dependencies, and geopolitical pressures shape the EU’s approach to industrial policy and the green transition.

  • Global Trade and Expansion: The EU is working to deepen ties with candidate countries like Ukraine and Moldova, while also tackling trade restrictions and supply chain vulnerabilities.

Join our pragmatic analysis of how Europe can overcome these hurdles and emerge stronger in the global economy. Expect a balanced discussion on policy shifts, market trends, and opportunities that lie ahead for businesses, investors, and citizens across the EU.

This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in economic policy, innovation strategies, and the future of European competitiveness.

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