Competitive gains in the Economic and Monetary Union

In the framework of our 10th anniversary celebrations, Bruegel is organising a series of events in the capitals of our member states. These debates, talks and conferences will bring crucial European topics to audiences across the continent.

This event brought together a panel of high level economic experts to discuss the competitive gains achievable through reinforcing the internal market and structural reforms. The aim was to take a broad perspective on the possible consequences for employment and growth. Discussions particularly focused on the far-reaching service sector measures that are already on the political agenda in Spain and the EU, and which will be implemented during the coming years.

The panel covered three interrelated topics:

• Gains in competitiveness through structural reforms. What has been the effect of structural reforms implemented in recent years? Which reforms were driven by the EU, which by its member states, and how do they interact?
• The Internal Market Strategy. How can Europe increase the impact of competitive gains through real integration of markets (the Internal Market Agenda)?
• The key role of services in the promotion of industrialisation: What is the Internal Market Strategy on services? How do we set priorities for better regulation in an era of new business models and “the sharing economy”

Programme

9h30 – 10h00 Registration

10.00 – 10.10 Welcoming remarks

• Zsolt Darvas, Senior Fellow, Bruegel

10.10 – 10.30 Keynote speech

• Luis de Guindos, Minister, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Spain

10.30 – 12.00 Roundtable discussion

Chair: Zsolt Darvas, senior fellow, Bruegel

• Íñigo Fernández de Mesa Vargas, Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Spain
• Jorge Sicilia, Chief Economist, BBVA
• Carlos López Blanco, Global Director of Public Affairs and Regulation, Telefónica
• Ashoka Mody, non-resident fellow, Bruegel

12.00-13.00 Light sandwich lunch