European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen used her speech at the European People's Party (EPP) Congress in Valencia this week to call for stronger efforts to boost Europe’s global competitiveness and foster a science- and innovation-driven economy.
Addressing EPP delegates, von der Leyen stressed that Europe's prosperity hinges on removing internal barriers in the Single Market and fostering a regulatory environment conducive to business growth. “If we remove all trade obstacles inside our Union, we could boost our GDP by as much as 10%,” she said, calling for the fragmentation across the EU’s digital regulatory landscape to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
Von der Leyen also highlighted the role of research and academic freedom in strengthening Europe’s knowledge base and innovation capacity. “We consider freedom of science and research as fundamental, not only because it is a core value for us, but also because this is how excellence and innovation thrive,” she noted. The Commission, she added, will put forward new proposals to attract top global talent, encouraging scientists and researchers to “choose Europe” as a home for cutting-edge research and technological development.
With global trade facing increasing uncertainty, von der Leyen reiterated the importance of open and rules-based markets for Europe’s export-driven economy. She underlined the EU’s expanding network of trade agreements and emphasized that Europe’s predictability and commitment to fair trade have made it a key partner globally.
The Commission President also linked competitiveness to broader goals, including food security, digital transformation, and defence capacity. But her core message remained clear: economic strength, scientific openness, and internal market reform are central pillars for ensuring Europe's place in the global economy.
