During the 170th plenary session of the CoR on 4 March, a debate was held concerning Europe's Competitiveness, the Single Market and Public Procurement led by Stéphane Séjourné, Commissioner for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, which stressed the importance of fully involving regional authorities in the discussion, to ensure regional strengthening and balanced territorial industrial development.
Members of the CoR emphasised the importance of allowing regions and cities to feel as though they are partners in the implementation of Europe's competitiveness, and responsible for the integrity of the Single Market. Foreign investment was mentioned here too, saying that when it contributes to the local fabric of regional ecosystems, it must support the industrial based value chain, and provide full industrial basis with its subcontractors and stakeholders.
The debate also followed the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), which was presented by the European Commission on the same day, where CoR members highlighted that in order for the IAA to be fully functional, permitting and clean transitioning of energy sectors must become a quicker process. For members of the CoR, effective territorial implementation will be key to this, given the important role regions and cities play.
Member René Jensen, EA Group Coordinator and Shadow Rapporteur on Public Procurement joined Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné to stress that Europe’s success relies on common ground and practical rules. He highlighted that the regulatory fragmentation and administrative burden placed on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's), is weakening the EU's ability to be globally competitive. He stated that local and regional authorities provide 40% of public procurement and for this reason, they need simplification and flexibility. Additionally, he added that it was time to turn this revision into a tool for resilience, local growth and the green transition, saying "Europe must act together".
"With the green transition and geopolitical pressures reshaping Europe, both leaders agreed: modernizing procurement is no longer optional—it’s essential for competitiveness, resilience, and sustainable growth." He said.
In the same debate, President Nanette Maupertuis also stated "It is important to remember that within the EU, we are not all starting from the same point and we cannot just work with the most industrialised nations and regions". She also added that policies must be created that promote and reflect all regions and local ecosystems.