The European Commission has chosen to focus on a limited number of priorities such as the Digital Single Market, the Energy Union and the Capital Markets Union, all of which are highly ambitious. What are your thoughts on this approach?
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Europe is facing unprecedented challenges. In this context, our responses need to ambitious in order to place Europe in the forefront of this change.
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A socially- and economically- inclusive Union is a principle that requires efforts in increasing competitiveness of European economies and companies as well as strengthening skills of European labour and citizens. Through the Digital Single Market project the Commission acknowledges that digital competencies and infrastructure form an integral part of social and economic inclusion in an environment of technological change. The financial crisis, on the other hand, illustrated the need to further strengthen the economic foundation of the European Union and the Single Market. The Capital Markets Union project ensures more diversified sources of finance for companies and particularly for SMEs to overcome the current investment gap. Finally, a secure and competitive European economy needs to be built on an affordable and climate-friendly energy provision that is resilient and stable. Europe’s growth will take place in the context of a transition into a low-carbon economy, an increased use of renewable energies and greater energy efficiency.
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Under the presidency of Jean-Claude Juncker, the Commission has placed its focus on ten strategic priorities. The Digital Single Market, the Energy Union and the Capital Markets Union are essential components of these priorities with jobs and growth being the top priority.
Despite the vast challenges that Europe is facing, citizens are still asking for more Europe. Can you explain this?
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Europe is facing challenges, yet the scope of the migration crisis and the cross-border nature of terrorist threats show that no Member State can deal with this situation alone.
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In order to address these challenges, we must deploy the full range of our diplomatic, economic, defence and security efforts. This means dedicating the appropriate funding to improve the management of our external borders, exchanging information to fight and prevent migrant smuggling, and developing new online tools to prevent individuals from becoming radicalised, everywhere on the continent.
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These objectives can only be achieved through effective co-operation and co-ordination of our efforts. And in these circumstances, solidarity is more needed than ever. EU citizens are conscious of that reality and this why they are asking for a stronger and more united Europe to protect them.
The structural funds are arguably the most visible sign of EU support in Europe's regions and cities. Do you think that projects supported by the Investment Fund can also serve to better promote EU priorities on the ground?
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Structural and regional funds are indeed an important channel through which the EU delivers wellbeing to its citizens and ensures viability of the Member State economies. In the next few years, under the current Regional Policy framework set from 2014 to 2020 two separate but complementary funding sources, the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) and the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) will invest side-by-side in Member States and their regions.
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With investment in Europe currently 15% below the pre-crisis level, the EFSI and the ESIF form part of Commission’s effort for a coordinated and collective response to counter this investment gap.
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Although EFSI and ESIF are two separate mechanisms, they complement each other by targeting largely same strategic sectors, providing financial support for SMEs and mid-caps, and operating in strategic sectors including transport, energy and the digital economy, environment and resource efficiency; human capital and research and innovation. The funding through EFSI and ESIF is an important way to deliver EU policy to promote our core objectives on the ground. By focusing on strategic sectors and industries across the European economy, these funds reinforce President Juncker’s idea that Europe needs to be big on big things and small on small things.
Do you think that local and regional authorities have a role to play in getting citizens on board and enthusiastic about the European project?
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Local and regional authorities are already playing a huge role in making the E.U. accessible to all EU citizens. For many citizens, local authorities are acting as the front door to the European project, raising awareness on decisions taken at the EU level and playing an active part in the implementation of EU funds and projects.
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Over the course of a few decades, local and regional authorities have also contributed to make the Europe a reality for many cross-border workers, by facilitating the emergence of trans-border zones and ensuring that their rights are duly respected. Regional authorities across Europe are also playing an increasing role in economic development of their territories and hence constitute an essential part of our EU growth, investment and employment strategy.
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More generally, I think that local and regional authorities enable EU-wide dynamics and projects to be anchored in various networks, in a very concrete manner, and in a way which best fits the aspirations of local communities. In that sense, they represent the first gateway to the European project and should help generate the enthusiasm we need to develop it further.