As the European Union prepares its next long-term budget, strengthening Europe’s competitiveness has emerged as one of its central priorities. With growing pressure to invest in innovation, research, digital technologies, clean industries and strategic sectors, the EU faces important choices about where and how its resources should be directed.

This online workshop will explore how the EU budget can support Europe’s economic and technological future, and what the proposed European Competitiveness Fund could mean for businesses, researchers, regions, and citizens. The discussion will look at how EU investment can help close Europe’s innovation gap, mobilise private investment, and strengthen Europe’s position in an increasingly competitive global economy.

At the same time, prioritising competitiveness raises important questions about how EU resources should be balanced with other priorities, including social cohesion, climate action, and regional development.

The discussion will address questions such as:

• What should the EU invest in to strengthen Europe’s long-term competitiveness?
• How can the EU budget better support research, innovation and strategic industries?
• What role can the European Competitiveness Fund play in mobilising investment and closing Europe’s innovation gap?
• How can EU investment benefit businesses, regions and citizens across Europe?
• How should competitiveness be balanced with other priorities in the next EU budget?