Yesterday, 11th December 2014, the Conference of the Presidents at the European Parliament has given the green light to the set-up of a parliamentary Intergroup on long-term investment and reindustrialisation. EIM – the association representing European railway infrastructure managers – welcomes the creation of the Intergroup and looks forward to establishing a fruitful cooperation with all industry stakeholders and the MEPs who supported it.
The economic growth prospects for Europe have been seriously hampered by the lack of a long-term strategy in terms of investment and business innovation. Therefore, in order for the European economy to move forward and reach its full potential, a significant, sensible programme of investment, and support for the industry, is undeniably needed.
The Intergroup shall target different and essential priorities which constitute a true engine of economic prosperity and growth for Europe. Notably, it will focus principally on economic infrastructures for sustainable transport, energy and communication, on access to long-term finance for SMEs and on EU research & innovation funding.
EIM President Paul Plummer said, “Long-term investment and innovation are vital to foster growth in Europe’s economy. I welcome the founding of this Intergroup and its mission to gather long-term investors coming from several industrial sectors. This has the potential to play a key role in economic development and recovery strategies across Europe”
Along with Mr. Plummer, EIM Executive Director Monika Heiming added, “EIM has supported the creation of the Intergroup and believes it could be a crucial determinant of the EU’s competitiveness over the coming years. The Intergroup will also work as an important forum to bring together industry stakeholders and key figures from the EU Institutions, in order to ensure there is focus on long-term investment at the European level”.