Companies in Spain and France are urging the EU to accelerate investment in the face of geopolitical chaos.

 

La Confederación Española de Organizaciones Empresariales (CEOE) And the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) have urged the European Union to adopt urgent measures to promote competitiveness and industrial sovereignty in the face of growing tensions in supply chains and global competition.

 

Strengthening the Single Market and Bilateral Cooperation

 

In the framework of the 5th France-Spain Economic Forum, held at the Residence of the Ambassador of Spain in Paris, the presidents of both employers' associations, Antonio Garamendi (CEOE) and Patrick Martin (MEDEFThey have signed a joint declaration of high strategic importance. This document reaffirms the commitment of the two economic powers to act as an engine of growth in Europe, supporting the agenda "One Europe, One Market" with the aim of completing the Single Market by 2028.

 

The meeting featured a prominent institutional presence, including the Minister of Economy of Spain, Carlos Cuerpo, and its French counterpart, Roland LescureDuring the sessions, it was emphasized that the elimination of bureaucratic burdens It is an absolute priority to facilitate investment in critical sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and direct support for the SMEs.

 

Strategic Priorities: Investment, Energy and Defense

 

The joint statement places particular emphasis on the need for an ambitious Multiannual Financial Framework that prioritizes projects with a significant impact on economic growth. Likewise, business organizations consider progress on the Savings and Investment Union a "key tool" for unlocking the necessary capital required for the continent's transformation.

 

In the industrial field, Antonio Garamendi He stressed that “European strategic autonomy will only be possible if we strengthen our industrial base together, expand technological alliances, and foster more cross-sectoral collaboration.” This vision includes the creation of a integrated security and defense industry that effectively reduces current external dependencies.

 

Strategic Axis	Main goal	Deadline/Priority
Single Market	Complete cross-border integration	Year 2028
Energy	Decarbonized, competitive and safe	Immediate
Foreign Trade	Interim Agreement UE Mercosur	Provisional application
Finance	Savings and Investment Union	High priority

 

Innovation and Geographic Diversification

 

The forum also served to analyze current geopolitical changes through the presentation of Thierry Chopin, expert of Instituto MontaigneThe working groups concluded that European resilience depends on:

 

• La geographic diversification of the business activity of both countries.
• Intensive investment in critical technologies and innovative sectors.
• Access to a decarbonized energy as a factor of industrial competitiveness.
• Promoting alliances between large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises.

 

Finally, both organizations expressed their explicit support for the provisional application of the Interim Trade Agreement between the EU and Mercosur , understanding it as a fundamental piece for trade expansion and the supply of raw materials in an uncertain global environment.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the 5th France-Spain Economic Forum

 

What is the objective of the One Europe, One Market agenda?

It is a commitment backed by European leaders and employers' associations CEOE y MEDEF to eliminate barriers and complete the integration of Single Market for the 2028 year.

 

What is the position of companies regarding the agreement with Mercosur?

The joint statement expresses strong support for the provisional application of the Interim Trade Agreement between the European Union y Mercosur to strengthen trade ties.

 

Which sectors are considered critical for strategic autonomy?

The integrated security and defense industry , decarbonized energy infrastructure, and the development of critical technologies to reduce dependence on foreign markets are prioritized .