In today's moderated discussion, we will address 3 questions related to Europe's competitiveness: delivering economically sound and just transitions, further investing in skills, and making the single market more resilient while pursuing an ambitious trade agenda.
As outlined by President von der Leyen, last week the Commission proposed several initiatives under the Green Deal Industrial Plan.
They set out a clear framework to increase the competitiveness of green industries and the resilience of Europe's clean energy supply chains.
They will help to develop the EU's industrial base and to diversify the EU's sourcing of key inputs and critical raw materials.
At the same time, the EU will continue to promote integrated and resilient supply chains, by pursuing an ambitious trade agenda.
This requires strengthening the EU's global engagement with reliable partners to develop and diversify investment, promote stability in international trade, and increase legal certainty for investors.
Trade policy keeps Europe connected to growth poles outside of our continent while securing access to critical inputs.
We will therefore continue to deepen our network of Free Trade Agreements, expand Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreements, and seek mutually beneficial partnerships with emerging markets and developing economies in critical raw materials.
Specifically, we will put forward the free trade agreements with Chile, Mexico and New Zealand for ratification, seek to make progress with Mercosur, work to conclude the negotiations with Australia and the Economic Partnership Agreement with Kenya, and make progress with India and Indonesia.
At the same time, we will protect the Single Market from unfair trade and make sure that foreign subsidies do not distort competition.
At home, we must continue to improve the EU's business environment. The Net-Zero Industry Act is a step in this direction. It proposes to reduce the administrative burden and simplify permit procedures.
The European Semester also has an important role to play, given its focus on the four dimensions of competitive sustainability, to promote better national policies, stimulate productivity and competitiveness, and ensure fair and inclusive twin transitions. As you know, improving skills policies is very much in focus this year.
Let me conclude by saying that it is essential to involve social partners and social dialogue in the industrial transformation.
I will now proceed to give the floor to each of you in the agreed order. Please respect the limit so that everyone is able to speak.
