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- PAST EVENTHybrid
- Hybrid
08 Oct 2026
4:00 pm
5:00 pm
About
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?
Agenda
16:00 – 16:05
Welcome remarks
16:05 – 16: 40
Panel discussion
Speakers:
- Sandra Parthie, President of the EESC Employers’ Group
- Maxime Staelens, Senior Advisor, SGI Europe
- Isabelle Buscke, Secretary General, Finance Watch
16:40 – 16:55
Q&A session
16:55 – 17:00
Closing remarks
SPEAKERS
Sandra Parthie
President of the Employers’ Group, EESC
Sandra Parthie is the President of the Employers’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee. She started her mandate in October 2025. She joined the EESC in 2020, and has been active in many EESC bodies, particularly as President of the section on the single market (INT) since 2022.
Mrs Parthie heads the Brussels Office of the German Economic Institute since March 2015, presenting economic research by the Institute to stakeholders in Brussels, often in cooperation with industry associations.
Maxime Staelens
Senior Advisor for Communications and Policy Coordination, SGI Europe
Maxime Staelens is Senior Advisor for Communications and Policy Coordination at SGI Europe, where he has worked since 2014. He advises on communication strategy and coordinates communication activities around key European policy issues, including the European Semester, digital policy, trade and energy.
Isabelle Buscke
Secretary General at Finance Watch
Isabelle has 15 years of experience in advocating for the general interest in EU public policymaking. Before joining Finance Watch, she led the EU representation office of a national consumer organisation for 13 years, representing consumer interests in EU policymaking. She has longstanding experience in the governance and strategic development of European and transatlantic civil society networks, serving as a board member, treasurer and chairperson.
Location
- Online
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