We are now reaching the critical point when the end of the COVID19 pandemic could soon be a reality. But many companies, entrepreneurs and employees are suffering after months of shut down and recession. It is now imperative that European countries have a coordinated approach to both the vaccination strategy and the recovery plan. Not only this is necessary to ensure a smooth take off of economic growth across the continent, but it is also the only way we can stay competitive in global markets.
Other great economic powers, like the US or China, are already achieving significant progress and will soon get back in a shape to assert their influence as market leaders across the world. The EU in this moment seems to lack behind. As European Entrepreneurs we call the European Union – Commission, Parliament, Presidency and Member States – to pick up the pace and deliver more and better in all fields: as many vaccines and as much economic support as possible, bureaucratic simplification, not hesitating to go new ways, no business as usual anymore, think really small first… otherwise our companies will be left behind… or even worse! The first to suffer are SMEs, who don’t have as many instruments to wrestle with foreign competitors as large companies do.
No European country alone can really think to come out of this crisis on its own. But if Member States don’t feel the EU is leading the process, they will seek alternatives for an immediate solution even if, in the longer term, that means weakening themselves and all other EU countries.
We ask that the European leadership does not let it happen and takes the reins to transit our societies out of this crisis. The European Parliament could take the lead in this process. Where is the Parliament? Its institutional profile is perfectly adequate to the challenge, but it must act now. The Parliament has already inspired many important initiatives, like this stock-taking survey for vaccination production capacities (which we invite you to participate in). We trust this is but a first step for further and deeper coordination so that we can start rebuilding our economies together in the spirit of a united Europe.
