site.btaInnovation and Pragmatism Key to Europe’s Competitiveness, Says Bulgarian EU Commissioner Zaharieva

The goals of the Green Deal should stay the same, but the economy competitiveness should be maintained as well, along with supporting startups and developing companies in Europe, said Friday EU Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva during the Innovation as a Cornerstone of EU and CEE Competitiveness opening panel on the final day of the Green Transition Forum 5.0: Powering Up Competitiveness and Innovation in the CEE Region, held at Sofia Event Center. The event is organized by the Green Transition Forum and Dir.bg, with the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) as media partner.

Discussions about the Green Deal are decreasing in Brussels, creating the impression that the new European Commission is retreating from its ambitions, added Zaharieva, confirming this statement is not true. The focus is now on how to achieve the goals with a more pragmatic approach. "I believe this is the right approach, because common sense will dampen the voices of populists," Zaharieva commented. She stressed that the Green Deal’s objectives cannot be fulfilled without ensuring the sustainable competitiveness of the European economy.

One of the main challenges remains the fragmentation of the European market. "We still haven’t completed the construction of the EU single market," Zaharieva said. Overcoming at least part of the fragmentation and promoting the creation of large-scale investment funds to retain innovative companies in Europe should be a priority over the next five years.

The Bulgarian EU Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the May 28 presentation of a comprehensive startup strategy. This strategy aims to make Europe the best place to launch and grow an innovative business by focusing on improved access to financing, easier market entry, talent attraction and retention, simplified regulations, and access to infrastructure for innovators.

"High technology and leadership in this field will be the number one priority for all governments worldwide. I can assure you that the European Commission, and I personally, are determined to do everything possible to help our innovators choose Europe," Zaharieva emphasized.