Manifesto

No two regions are alike; every place in Europe has its own unique needs, strengths and opportunities. Yet many of the biggest decisions impacting our economic lives are taken from above. EFA wants to see decision-making decentralised, and a greater regional focus on investment strategies. We should build to each place’s strengths, not apply the same formula to all.

We should move away from the centralised model of an economy that primarily serves the interests of large urban areas, and instead make sure that every region is treated according to its needs and capacities. We should improve the local basis of our supply chains, helping the development of regional industry and creating jobs in rural and peripheral areas.

Instead of the centralised distribution of EU funds, EFA supports a fairer system of distributing funding: one where every region of Europe can determine its own needs, not have decisions imposed on it from above. EU solidarity must result in reform and sustainable growth on the ground. At the same time, many needs that are cross-border in nature can be addressed through establishing new economic and cultural macroregions for areas facing common challenges. EFA also stands for an EU islands status to provide tailored assistance to the specific needs of island territories.

EFA agrees with the ultimate goal of completing the Single Market and integrating all parts of the EU. But we believe it is possible to do so with greater sensitivity for regional needs. For example, we want to see all EU member states join the Schengen Zone so long as they meet the (merit-based) conditions, not only because it will facilitate long-distance supply chains and delivery times, but also because border regions and their communities are currently split by the Schengen border, impeding their economic and cultural lives.

In today’s globalised world, European businesses have to compete not only locally but with producers from all over the world – many of which are able to produce more cheaply thanks to lower labour costs, lower environmental standards and/or state support. In the USA, the Inflation Reduction Act and other new protectionist measures are putting the squeeze on European exports to the US; at the same time, we are locked in competition with China, a communist state where all industry can benefit from state support. Europe needs to recognise the changing global mood regarding free trade and make strategic public investments in European industry to keep it competitive. That includes a renewed push for diversifying EU trade, more assertive action against dumping practices on our market, easing conditions for industries and SMEs, the introduction of an EU competitiveness check and strengthening entire supply chains – which often cross borders. That is a European-level task by default, but will also help to boost local economies.

In all aspects of industrial strategy, Europe should recognise that it is currently a world leader in a few sectors: notably machinery, biotech, food and drink, tourism, transport, and research and development. It also has world-renowned ports. These sectors should be safeguarded and helped to grow sustainably, with a particular focus on building European competitiveness in key future-oriented areas: pharma, biotech, emission-free vehicles, hydrogen storage, environment-friendly agriculture, sustainable tourism, and key tech components such as semiconductors and AI. Europe is currently home to the most highly-educated, high-skilled workforce in the world: this must be nurtured through high-level education, R&D investments and sensitive industrial policy to preserve our place in a rapidly developing world.