The European Committee of the Regions (CoR ) Commission for Economic Policy (ECON ) met in Galway last week to discuss Europe’s regions’ central role in strengthening competitiveness and resilience in a changing global economy, stressing the importance of supporting local businesses, investment and innovation while addressing trade volatility and shifting global supply chains.
The two-day meeting and conference, hosted by Cllr Jimmy McClearn, brought together regional leaders, policymakers, academics, and innovation experts to explore how regions can strengthen their economies through investment, trade and support for local businesses. In the context of Galway and the wider Atlantic Economic Corridor, the discussions focused on the role of indigenous businesses in creating high-skilled jobs and connecting regional economies to global markets.
Participants highlighted that maritime regions in the West of Ireland and regions in Europe with similar geographic and economic characteristics can build sustainable competitiveness by supporting business growth, innovation and productivity. With the Single Market facing a changing global economic environment, participants stressed the trade volatility, shifting global supply chains and the impact of these challenges on regional economies. They underlined the need for regulatory simplification and competitiveness reforms that reduce administrative burdens.
During the meeting, ECON members adopted a draft opinion on the EU Industrial Maritime Strategy, drafted by rapporteur Adam Banazak (PL/EA ), Councillor of Inowroc?aw County, underlining the strategic importance of maritime industrial regions for Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability and resilience. In the draft opinion, local and regional leaders called for a stronger place-based approach to the implementation of the EU Industrial Maritime Strategy, recognising the specific challenges and opportunities faced by coastal, island, outermost and industrial maritime regions. They stressed the need to improve access to financing, and greater use of public-private partnerships to mobilise investment. They further highlighted the importance to support the modernisation, decarbonisation and digitalisation of shipyards, as well as ensuring the availability of affordable clean energy.”
The two-day meeting and conference included a study visit to the BIA Innovator Campus, a major food innovation and entrepreneurship hub based in Athenry, Co. Galway. It is designed to support food and drink businesses – from early-stage startups to scaling companies – through a mix of facilities, expertise, and business supports.
