SEV Highlights Key Competitiveness Priorities at BusinessEurope’s Council of Presidents in Cyprus

On 20-21 November, the President of SEV’s Executive Committee, Mrs. Rania Aikaterinari, participated at BusinessEurope’s meeting of Presidents. BusinessEurope represents more than 25 million companies through 42 national federations from 36 countries from the EU and neighbouring countries.

The meeting took place in Nicosia ahead of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU in January 2026. Key messages we raised included:

• Europe needs agility, speed and unity to remain relevant and impactful. Economic and geopolitical strength must go hand in hand.
• Stronger dialogue between policymakers and industry is necessary in order to remain true to European values and goals towards a carbon neutral continent that does not threaten our social and economic fabric.
• Europe needs a cultural shift, from the existing overregulation mindset to rewarding business ambition and giving space to entrepreneurs to innovate and grow, without being trapped in a costly and time-consuming bureaucracy
• Although the regulatory simplification agenda is moving forward (Omnibus I package on CSRD /CSDDD on 13 November and the new digital omnibus announced last week), many pressing issues remain open.
• High energy costs is the most critical among them. Without competitive energy prices, we risk losing more investments and may witness further de-industrialisation. Data shows that investments in Europe decreased by almost 2% in 2024 compared to 2023. Many Member States are attempting to support and protect their industries but need further support from the EU, together with concrete action to promote a true Energy Union.
• The deepening of the single market remains limited, with persisting barriers to goods and services which translate into significant internal tariffs: almost 45% for goods and over 100% for services. Although discussions on the savings and investment union have begun, tangible results will take time.
• The negotiations for the next EU budget 2028-2034, are critically important. Member States must find the right balance between traditional policies, such as cohesion and agriculture, with new priorities such as defense and competitiveness.
• For Mediterranean countries, and the employer organisations of the MED9 cooperation framework, increasing productivity is key prerequisite for growth and increasing wages. Also, more attention should be given to demographic challenges and affordable housing
• We welcome the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency and focus on the blue economy agenda which accounts for 5 million jobs in the EU and represents a gross value added of € 250 bn.  This will include actions to stimulate sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, shipping and energy as well to strengthen security at sea, e.g. submarine cables.

The Declaration of the Nicosia Council of Presidents is available here