Eurochambres President Vladimír Dlouhý calling for a competitive European economy at the Tripartite Social Summit

At the Tripartite Social Summit held on 18 March 2026, Eurochambres President Vladimír Dlouhý called on EU leaders to translate recent economic pledges into tangible results. Against a backdrop of growing global uncertainty, he cautioned that Europe is paying an increasing price for its lack of competitiveness.

President Dlouhý identified three main priorities to reinforce Europe’s economic strength. First, he emphasized the urgent need to cut regulatory burdens. Although the European Commission has initiated efforts to simplify rules, both EU institutions and member states must intensify these efforts by eliminating unnecessary legislation and avoiding additional regulatory pressure that could hamper businesses and disrupt supply chains.

Second, he highlighted the importance of advancing single market integration by tackling remaining obstacles to cross-border trade, services, and investment. Ensuring the free movement of capital across the EU is crucial to scaling up innovation, stimulating growth, and generating high-quality employment.

Third, he underlined the need for predictable and stable business conditions. Meeting industrial ambitions, such as increasing the share of manufacturing in GDP, depends on access to affordable energy, sufficient raw materials, efficient infrastructure, and quicker permitting procedures. Without these essential conditions, such objectives risk remaining unattainable.

Referring to ongoing geopolitical tensions and fluctuating energy prices, President Dlouhý stressed their adverse effects on investment and job creation. He concluded by urging European leaders to move decisively from dialogue to implementation to restore Europe’s competitiveness in an increasingly challenging global environment.

Watch Vladimír Dlouhýs video message to EU leaders in the run-up to the 19-20 March European Council!

Ben Butters, CEO of Eurochambres butters@eurochambres.eu