On 1 July, Denmark will take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union under the motto A Strong Europe in a Changing World.
Ceemet, representing Europe’s Metal, Engineering and Technology-based (MET) industry employers, warmly welcomes the programme of the Danish presidency. At a time when Europe is reprioritising its critical agenda, the Presidency’s clear commitment to reinforcing competitiveness and simplifying regulation provides a much-needed and timely signal for industry.
The Danish programme rightly places competitiveness at the heart of the EU’s agenda. From strengthening industrial policy and decarbonising European industry to ensuring access to affordable energy and essential raw materials, the Presidency’s focus reflects the priorities that Ceemet has long championed. The proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), focused on competitiveness, alongside efforts to mobilise private investment and support SMEs, aligns with Ceemet’s call for an industrial strategy that enables companies to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Another important element is the Presidency’s strong emphasis on regulatory simplification and better regulation. Ceemet has consistently advocated cutting red tape and reducing unnecessary administrative burdens that hold back Europe’s MET industries. The prioritisation of the Omnibus simplification packages, including sector-specific efforts in areas such as defence, couldn’t come at a better moment. In addition, the Presidency’s determination to minimise burdens in future proposals through thorough impact assessments resonates with Ceemet’s longstanding position that better regulation is essential to maintain Europe’s global competitiveness.
Ceemet is particularly encouraged by the Danish Presidency’s pledge to advance initiatives that support fair and effective free movement of workers, alongside measures to ensure decent working conditions and promote upskilling. Digitalisation, as highlighted in the programme, can play a key role in simplifying social security coordination and supporting labour mobility: this is an objective that Ceemet fully supports for the completion of a true single European labour market.
Commenting on the Danish Presidency’s priorities, Ceemet Director General, Delphine Rudelli, said: “The Danish Presidency’s programme reflects the right priorities at the right time. Focusing on competitiveness, simplification, and better regulation will provide Europe’s industries with the conditions they need to innovate, grow and create quality jobs.”
Furthermore, Ceemet supports the Danish Presidency’s commitment to strengthening social dialogue at national and European levels. Denmark undoubtedly has one of the strongest and most efficient social dialogue models in the EU. Hence, Ceemet is glad to see that the Presidency considers the involvement of social partners critical to ensure that EU policies are effective, balanced and deliver real benefits to workers and employers.
We stand ready to support the Danish Presidency in its efforts to create a more competitive, resilient and sustainable Europe. By working together, we can ensure that Europe’s MET industries continue to support the European economy as its backbone, provide high-quality employment, drive innovation and contribute to Europe’s prosperity in times of permanent crises.