The ECR Group voted against the Parliament’s own-initiative report on the future of Europe’s competitiveness, warning that the document uses the Draghi report as a justification for a broad expansion of EU powers, the creation of a common debt, and a shift in decision-making toward further centralization.
Speaking after the vote, the ECR’s shadow rapporteur, Tomasz Bocheński, emphasized that Europe’s competitiveness cannot be strengthened by weakening the role of member states or creating new financial obligations at the EU level without adequate democratic safeguards.
“Europe will not become more competitive if national governments are stripped of their democratic vetoes. Competitiveness begins with accountability, not centralization,” he stressed.
He also criticized the report’s proposals to expand majority voting and to begin work on amending the treaties, warning that such actions would infringe upon the key competences of member states in areas such as taxation, defense, and social policy.
“Replacing unanimity with majority voting in areas that touch on the very essence of national sovereignty is not institutional reform—it is a political shortcut that could deepen divisions within the Union,” he warned.
Bocheński emphasized that Europe’s competitiveness depends above all on reducing regulatory burdens, restoring fiscal responsibility, and making effective use of existing EU tools.
“If we want Europe to be effective on the global stage, we must start by cutting red tape, scrapping the Green Deal, streamlining the single market, and freeing up entrepreneurs — rather than by creating more layers of bureaucracy and incurring joint European debt,” the PiS politician emphasized.
The ECR Group argues that Europe’s strategic position can be strengthened within the framework of the current treaties—through deregulation, greater efficiency, and strict adherence to the principle of subsidiarity. The group will continue to advocate for a competitiveness agenda based on economic freedom, innovation, and responsible governance, rather than deeper political integration.
The report was adopted today by the Parliament with 330 votes in favor, 273 against, and 38 abstentions.
