| President Persson highlighted the pressing need for Europe to address deep-rooted structural issues that have weakened its economic position. Over the past 30 years, the EU's GDP has lagged behind that of the USA, with European productivity growing at only half the pace of the USA and key Asian countries. From 2019 to 2021, foreign direct investment (FDI) into Europe dropped by two-thirds, while the USA saw a corresponding rise. |
| He pointed out the structural European reasons for this growing disparity, mainly: high energy bills and a high regulatory burden. To address these challenges, Persson outlined five key priorities for action: affordable energy, smarter and reduced regulation, a more integrated Single Market, improved technology and talent development, and an ambitious trade policy. “These priorities are crucial to putting Europe back on the path to long-term competitiveness and economic growth’, he emphasised. |
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