We are fresh from the Competitiveness & Security Business Summit 2026, which took place in Brussels and brought together representatives of business, politics and public institutions around one key question of what the future of European industry should look like. The event organized by Business & Science Poland clearly showed that the current model of functioning of the European Union is no longer sufficient in the face of global competition.
Already at the opening there was a strong signal of change. Bartek Czyczerski, CEO of Business & Science Poland, stressed that Europe needs to move away from established patterns and start thinking more boldly, opening up to a new generation and a new approach to building competitive advantages. From the perspective of the region, it was also particularly important to draw attention to the growing role of Poland in the international economic system.
This direction was developed by Ignacy Niemczycki, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who clearly pointed out that one of the key factors determining the future of the Polish economy is energy prices. In his speech, the need for changes in the EU ETS system, speeding up decision-making processes and real deregulation was clearly stated. Without these measures, Europe may not keep up with the pace of global change and lose competitiveness.
The debate on the future of European industry continued in panels attended by representatives of the European Parliament, including Boris Budka, President of the ITRE Committee. Other MEPs and policymakers also took part in the discussions, who jointly analysed the impact of regulation on economic development and Europe's ability to maintain a strong industrial position.
An important element of the talks was also the role of regulation in the context of energy transition and decarbonisation. Together with the strategic partner of the event, ORLEN, the topic of whether the current legislation actually supports industry or is a barrier to its development was discussed. In turn, the discussions conducted with the support of the Bank Gospodarstva Krajowego emphasized that without adequate financing, even the best-designed transformation will remain only a concept without a real translation into the economy.
An integral element of the new industrial order is also security, which in the current geopolitical situation is becoming one of the key pillars of development. In this context, the need to build resilience at both economic and infrastructural levels was stressed.
The conclusions of the summit are clear: Europe faces a real choice today. On the one hand, there is the path of reindustrialization, investment and bold economic decisions. On the other hand, the risk of further deepening bureaucracy, which could limit the ability to compete in the global market.
The talks that will define the future of the European economy are taking place right now. Decisions at regulatory and investment level depend on whether Europe maintains its position or gives way to more dynamic players.
The Competitiveness & Security Business Summit 2026 has shown that the transformation of European industry is no longer a scenario of the future, but a process that is happening before our eyes. Speed of action, courage in decision making and the ability to combine policy with real business needs will be key.
This is the moment when Europe needs to stop reacting and start to stay ahead of change.
2/4/26
The next meeting of the Battery Committee of the PSNM — We drive new mobility, chaired by Filip Gabryelewicz on behalf of the Wastes Service Group, is behind us.
