Official visit to Brussels

Economic delegation visits Brussels

Representatives of the Inštitut Naprej pay an official visit to the European Parliament.

Brussels, 16-18 January 2025

As part of their official visit to Brussels, the economists and representatives of the Inštitut Naprej participated in a panel discussion at the European Parliament, hosted by member of the European Parliament Dr. Vladimir Prebilič and moderated by Tadej Slapnik. The visit also included a tour of the European Parliament and a meeting with Belgian economists, where participants established important business contacts and exchanged ideas for further cooperation.

The focus of the visit was a consultation on promoting competitiveness, innovative solutions and closer economic cooperation in the European Union. Participants highlighted the need for a more united yet responsive EU in the face of growing global challenges, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and political divisions in many countries.

“Cooperation between all stakeholders – from politics and business to education and research institutions – is key to a better future for Europe’s economy.”

Key highlights and proposals:

Activation of “dead capital” to support entrepreneurship, which would help to mobilise additional financial resources and thus kick-start new business projects.
Simplification of regulation to reduce the administrative burden for businesses and to foster greater competitiveness and innovation in the Slovenian and wider European environment.
A more personal approach in the EU institutions to better address specific business issues and strengthen links between the business sector and policy makers.
More effective investment support: Accelerating research and development, improving financial literacy and attracting foreign investors to enable Slovenia to grow more sustainably.
Digital sovereignty and data security: The EU should rely less on external technology providers and build strong domestic digital capabilities.

Keynote speakers included:

Urša Selan Kovačič, Council of the European Union, General Secretariat, Preparation of the Presidency and Horizontal Policies,
Denis Sparas, Legal & Policy Officer at the European Commission,
Darja Tomše, Attaché at the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia to the EU.

Their contributions highlighted the importance of a proactive approach in European policy-making and in working with public institutions to effectively tackle challenges such as demographic change, digitalisation and the energy transition.

Member of the European Parliament Dr. Vladimir Prebilič stressed the need for massive investment in the EU – estimated at €800 billion a year – and the need to strengthen capital markets, which could provide stable funding for innovation and growth. He also stressed the importance of diplomacy, strategic alliances (in particular with Japan, South Korea and India) and the EU’s enlargement to the Western Balkans in order to maintain a competitive and globally relevant European space.

The visit enabled the participants to exchange experiences with Belgian businessmen, with whom representatives of the Slovenian economic sector have already established important business relations. At the end of the successful visit, it was underlined that mutual cooperation between all stakeholders – from politics and business to education and research institutions – is essential for a better future of the European economy.

The Inštitut Naprej remains firmly committed to promoting dialogue and developing concrete solutions to the challenges facing both the Slovenian and the European economic community.

Author: Brane Maselj

Economic delegation visits Brussels

“Cooperation between all stakeholders – from politics and business to education and research institutions – is key to a better future for Europe’s economy.”

Key highlights and proposals:

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