European Commission Vice President for Jobs, Growth, Investment, and Competitiveness, Jyrki Katainen, gives the keynote speech at the launch of the EuroGrowth Initiative: A Road Map for European Growth.
On March 2, Jyrki Katainen, European Commissioner for Jobs, Growth, Investment, and Competitiveness, delivered his vision for a stronger Europe at the Atlantic Council. His keynote speech was followed by a lively discussion with former European Commission President and Co-Chair of the EuroGrowth Initiative’s Task Force, José Manuel Barroso.
Atlantic Council President and CEO Fred Kempe, European Commission Vice President Jyrki Katanien, and former EC President José Manuel Barroso watch the introductory remarks of the event
- Investment in the European Union is at approximately 18 percent of GDP, much lower than in previous years. In response, the European Commission has launched an Investment Plan through the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI).
- The plan has so far triggered additional €72 billion of private investment, focusing on infrastructure and SMEs projects. The target is to mobilize €315 billion over three years.
Director of the Global Business & Economics Program at the Atlantic Council, Andrea Montanino, moderates the discussion about the status of the European economy with Jyrki Katainen and José Manuel Barroso.
- Vice President Katainen said, “we will improve the environment for investors through widening and deepening the world’s largest Single Market,” in addition to their efforts of cutting back on unnecessary regulation and enforcing competition.
- The Commission will launch reforms to create a Digital Single Market and an Energy Union in Europe, as well as building a genuine Capital Market Union.
José Manuel Barroso shakes hands with European Union Ambassador to the United States, David O’Sullivan as the event wraps up
- TTIP will strengthen the union between Europe and the United States as well as set the rules for the global economy in the twenty-first century.