Europaforum Lech 2017: Challenging times require new ideas for the EU budget

EU-Commissioner Günther H. Oettinger, in charge of budget and human resources, today, Friday 21 April 2017 in a press conference at the closure of the Europaforum Lech 2017 concluded: "We are living in challenging times for the EU. The Commission's first response has been a White Paper offering five scenarios. The debate of these last two days focused on fostering the digital economy and shaping financing of the EU and provided valuable input for discussions on the future of Europe."

Upon invitation of the Mayor of Lech am Arlberg, Ludwig Muxel around 100 stakeholders from industry, government, civil society and academia debated the development of the data economy as a key example of a cross-sector European project.  This 6th edition of the Europaforum in the mountain resort Lech am Arlberg was held from 20 to 21 April 2017.

New ways of EU funding needed

There was a common understanding at the meeting that the data economy offers opportunities and new business models in key sectors such as banking, health, energy and mobility. Cross-sectorial and cross-border cooperation is needed to build win-win situations as for instance illustrated by the recent Rome Letter of Intent signed by 27 EU Member States together with Norway and Switzerland or the European Alliance of Telecoms and Automotive (EATA) which both foster cross-border experiments on connected and automated mobility. Fintech and eHealth solutions can boost innovation and help modernize public sectors.

The budget is one of the EU's tools used to support common policies and to provide funding which responds to global challenges. It also aims at opening numerous opportunities for cooperation between public and private sectors. Participants in the Europaforum Lech 2017 shared the view that new ways need to be found to leverage EU funding so it has the impact needed for growth and employment.

Commissioner Oettinger underlined: "Forging agreement between Member States and EU-Institutions on the future of EU finances will be challenging. We need to find a new way to address regional needs, promoting innovation and respond swiftly to fast changing circumstances."

Günther H. Oettinger thanked the hosts of this year's Europaforum for their hospitality and gladly accepted the invitation for the next year's Forum to be held on 11-13 April 2018 in Lech/Arlberg.

*http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-687_en.htm 

**http://www.acea.be/press-releases/article/37-leading-companies-join-forces-in-european-automotive-telecom-alliance