The EU’s Competitiveness

1.

COSAC welcomes the reports by Letta and Draghi and the ambitions of the European Competitiveness Compass to restore and boost the EU’s long-term competitiveness. COSAC also welcomes the European Council conclusions of 23 October 2025, which reaffirm the EU’s commitment to the competitiveness agenda and a successful twin transition focusing on a green and a sovereign digital transition.

2.

COSAC reaffirms the vital role of the Single Market in the development and prosperity of EU Member States and highlights the need to ensure a level playing field, strengthen custom’s control, cut red tape and eliminate barriers by reducing bureaucratic and regulatory burdens. COSAC welcomes the work on regulatory simplification and better regulation in the EU to ease the daily lives of European businesses, including SME’s and public administrations. COSAC emphasizes the importance of further deepening the Single Market by harmonizing relevant national legislation. COSAC also looks forward to the Commission’s forthcoming proposal on the 28th regime for innovative businesses.

3.

COSAC stresses that boosting the EU’s competitiveness must go hand in hand with reducing regional disparities, promoting social and territorial cohesion and ensuring that all Member States and regions benefit from the opportunities of the Single Market.

4.

COSAC recalls the benefits that Schengen brings to our citizens, including for our safety and prosperity. The Schengen area is important for mobility, trade, competitiveness and tourism, and it remains a fundamental enabler of the single market.

5.

COSAC underlines the need for Europe to close its innovation gap in critical technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, space technology and biotechnology, while staying aware of both the opportunities and challenges posed by AI, including the need for robust safeguards related to data protection, cybersecurity, intellectual property rights and transparency of high-risk AI systems. COSAC welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to establish a European Competitiveness Fund to back the strategic technologies of tomorrow, in full respect of the principle of technological neutrality to benefit the Single Market and to accelerate EU funding and catalyse private and public investment in areas such as clean transition and decarbonization, sovereign digital transition, health, biotech, agriculture and bioeconomy, security, defence, and space. COSAC calls for accelerated discussions aimed at establishing a capital markets union, which is essential to enable innovative companies to raise funds more easily on the European market.

6.

COSAC welcomes the EU’s commitments to the green transition; while making the most of the opportunities it offers to strengthen European competitiveness. COSAC therefore encourages the EU to improve the competitiveness of European businesses by securing better access to clean and affordable energy, while recognising different national starting points. COSAC calls on the EU to advance an industrial policy that promotes green strengths, investments, and technology developments across Europe in a way that reinforces Europe’s competitive edge. COSAC calls on the EU institutions to carefully examine the proposal in the Draghi report regarding a bond aimed at mobilizing Europeans’ savings to invest in decarbonizing the European economy and strengthening digital sovereignty.

Ukraine  (1)

7.

COSAC welcomes the European Parliament’s ‘Resolution on the EU position on the proposed plan and EU engagement towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine’ of 27 November 2025.

8.

COSAC stresses that any agreement aimed at ending Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine goes well beyond Russia and Ukraine and thus insists that nothing about Ukraine should be decided without Ukraine, and nothing about Europe without Europe; is of the view that any peace agreement must be grounded in the principles of international law, must not put limitations on Ukraine’s ability to defend its sovereignty, must reconfirm that Ukraine has the freedom to choose its security and political alliances free from any Russian veto and must oblige Russia to fully compensate Ukraine for all material and immaterial harm and damage it has caused.

9.

COSAC reiterates its earlier statements condemning Russia’s illegal, unprovoked full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, which has reached new heights of brutality and violence.

10.

COSAC demands that the Russian Federation immediately and unconditionally withdraws its troops and military assets from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, including territorial waters, and fully respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. Any initiative concerning Ukraine must be taken with Ukraine and in full compliance with international law, including the UN Charter aiming at restoring a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

11.

COSAC stresses that strong military, civilian, economic and political support from the EU, including in the process of implementation of reforms and accession negotiations towards Ukraine’s EU membership, remains essential for Ukraine to continue its resistance against Russia’s full-scale military invasion.

12.

COSAC welcomes the European Council’s commitment to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support in the long term. At the same time there is a pressing need for Ukraine to receive sufficient international financial support in 2026 and 2027, including for its military and defence efforts.

13.

COSAC also welcomes the commitment of the European Union and its Member States to continue contributing to peace efforts, particularly within the framework of the coalition of the willing.

14.

COSAC emphasises the need for continued pressure on Russia until it fully complies with its obligations under international law. COSAC reaffirms that representatives of Russian authorities and all those responsible for international crimes committed in or against Ukraine must be held accountable in accordance with the rules of international law. COSAC welcomes the substantial progress made towards establishing the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. Russia must fully compensate for the damage it has caused to Ukraine, including using immobilised Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine’s defence. COSAC calls on the EU institutions and member States to accelerate efforts to use revenues from the frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction and for the use of Russian frozen assets as ‘reparation loan’ for Ukraine in order to ensure adequate budget and military support in 2026 and 2027 (2).

15.

COSAC welcomes the adoption of the 18th and the 19th packages of sanctions against Russia, including measures to disrupt the operations of Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’ engaged in transporting oil to circumvent existing EU sanctions. COSAC stresses that EU sanctions must be regularly reviewed to ensure their effectiveness.

16.

COSAC calls for upholding these sanctions and for the adoption of the 20th package of sanctions with the aim of exerting pressure on Russia until Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders are fully restored.

17.

COSAC highlights the need to effectively address the significant environmental and security risks posed by the shadow fleet, particularly by improving the enforcement of environmental and maritime safety standards and by strengthening cooperation with flag states.

18.

COSAC calls on the EU and the Member States to give priority to delivering on promises already made and to provide legally binding, effective, robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine. This includes continuing to supply the military capability priorities requested by Ukraine, including contributions through the European Peace Facility (EPF), and the Clearing House Mechanism, the continuation of the Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM) and through the continued vital work of the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM). COSAC supports the integration of Ukraine into the trans-European transport, energy and digital networks.

19.

COSAC calls on the EU Member States to provide the support for Ukraine as efficiently as possible including through direct investments in the Ukrainian defence industry and through the establishment of Ukrainian defence production in EU Member States.

20.

COSAC reiterates condemnation of Russia’s illegal forcible deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children in the strongest possible terms and calls for safe return of all Ukrainian children and other civilians unlawfully deported to Russia and Belarus.

21.

COSAC recalls its earlier statements condemning Russia’s continuing attacks on Ukraine’s critical energy and civilian infrastructure. It supports all efforts to increase Ukraine’s energy security and address the immediate humanitarian and civil protection needs.

22.

COSAC welcomes the entry into force of the upgraded agreement of the EU-Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area.

23.

COSAC commends Ukraine for its notable progress on the path towards European Union membership. Despite the immense challenges posed by Russia’s war of aggression, Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable determination and commitment to advancing the necessary reforms, strengthening democratic institutions, and aligning with EU standards. COSAC reaffirms its steadfast support for Ukraine’s European choice and encourages the continuation of this transformative work on the road to full EU membership as soon as possible.

24.

COSAC underlines the importance of conducting interparliamentary solidarity visits to Ukraine, such as the visit by a delegation of representatives of the European Affairs Committees of EU national parliaments and the European Parliament on 27–28 September, which took place at the invitation of the Chair of the European Integration Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. COSAC reiterates its previous statement that it is committed to defending freedom and democracy in Europe, in line with the purpose of interparliamentary cooperation.

25.

All EU-support to and cooperation with Ukraine respects the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States.

Security

26.

In light of growing conflicts around the world, including in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa, COSAC considers it essential that the EU remains firmly committed to a rules-based multilateral order and to the defence of democratic values worldwide, within the framework of the United Nations. Peace, security, and stability can only be achieved through effective international cooperation in line with international law. Promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law remains a core obligation of the European Union.

27.

COSAC finds it essential that Europe takes greater responsibility for its own security and strengthens its ability to defend itself by 2030 at the latest as a credible contribution to Euro-Atlantic security including through the effective protection and management of its external borders, and in full complementarity with the transatlantic cooperation within NATO and the defence interests and policies of EU Member States, while respecting the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States.

28.

COSAC welcomes the report by Sauli Niinistö on Europe’s Civil and Military Preparedness and the European Commission’s initiatives to bolster Euro-pean security and defence capabilities, including the new European Internal Security Strategy, ProtectEU, which supports Member States in ensuring the security of their citizens; the EU Preparedness Union Strategy to enhance both civilians and military preparedness; the White Paper on the Future of European Defence; the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030, and the SAFE Regulation to boost European defence spending. COSAC also calls for the full implementation of the European Commission’s Roadmap for European Defence Readiness 2030, in full respect of the competences of members states.

29.

COSAC strongly condemns Russia’s persistent malicious hybrid activities, including destabilising operations at the EU-Belarusian borders and disinformation efforts, which seem to form part of broader, coordinated, and long-standing hybrid campaigns aimed at threatening and undermining the security, resilience and democratic foundations of the EU and its Member States. COSAC calls on Russia and Belarus to cease its destabilising cyber and hybrid activities. COSAC calls for enhanced coordination between Member States, EU institutions and Ukraine to detect, counter and prevent such threats, and to strengthen the EU’s democratic resilience.

30.

COSAC welcomes the package of measures under the European Democracy Shield initiative. In light of the increase in hybrid threats, including disinformation, cyberattacks and covert operations targeting democratic processes, COSAC urges all Member states and candidate countries to fully support and implement measures under this initiative. In line with the EU Council’s Polish Presidency conclusions on strengthening EU democratic resilience, COSAC underlines that defending democracy within the European Union and in neighbouring countries requires a shared commitment, as well as comprehensive, whole-of-society approach to counter external malign activities with unity and determination in full respect of the rule of law and fundamental rights.

31.

COSAC calls on the European Union to take greater account of the geostrategic importance of the outermost regions (ORs) and overseas countries and territories (OCTs) and to condemn more any destabilising operations that may be carried out there by third countries.

32.

COSAC strongly condemns Russia’s and Belarus’ recent airspace violations in several Member States, which demonstrate the need for the EU to reinforce Europe’s capability to respond effectively, autonomously and jointly to such threats at EU land, air and maritime borders, regardless of where they emanate from. COSAC therefore welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to focus on concrete European Readiness Flagship projects open to all Member States who want to participate, such as the European Drone Defence Initiative, the Eastern Flank Watch, the European Air Shield and the European Space Shield.

33.

COSAC stresses the need to step up security at Europe’s external borders and address the issue of irregular migration. COSAC encourages the EU to develop new and innovative solutions to manage irregular migration and reduce arrivals into the EU. This includes advancing negotiations on draft legislation concerning returns of third country nationals staying illegally in the EU, revising the rules on safe third countries, and further implementing the EU legislative framework on asylum and migration and focusing on the external dimension.

34.

COSAC calls for ambitious cooperation with Mediterranean countries, based on the Mediterranean Pact presented by the European Commission, ensuring compliance with European Union values.

EU trade policy in an uncertain world

35.

COSAC emphasises that the EU’s trade policy must remain open, promoting in-creased market access and the diversification of supply chains, while ensuring reciprocity of commitments. COSAC encourages the EU to uphold a strong commitment to a trade policy that protects and strengthens the rules-based trading system, including the multilateral framework of the WTO. It stresses the need to involve national parliaments more closely in the process of negotiating trade agreements.

36.

COSAC calls on the EU to pursue an ambitious and rule-based trade agenda with a strategic focus on advancing and concluding negotiations with partner countries, ensuring the protection of high EU standards, the integrity of sensitive sectors including the maintenance of reciprocity and equitable conditions in market access in line with European standards on environmental protection, consumer protection and public health.

37.

COSAC expresses deep concern about the increasing impact of unfair trade practices by third countries, including persistent overcapacity, stats subsidies, and dumping practises that distort global markets and undermine the competitiveness of European industry. COSAC supports the European Commission’s efforts to strengthen trade defence instruments.

38.

COSAC underscores the need for a strong and constructive European cooperation with the United States in areas such as trade and investment, economic security, supply chains and technology. Ensuring EU unity in these negotiations is essential and should be based on the European Commission’s firm and proportionate approach including the defence of the digital regulatory framework adopted by the European Union.

39.

COSAC takes note of the ‘Framework Agreement’ between the United States and the European Union. COSAC expresses its hope that discussions will continue in order to improve market access and strengthen the trade and investment relationship between the United States and the European Union. Stability and predictability—both of which are vital for EU businesses exposed to volatility and uncertainty—must be restored.

The Green Transition of a competitive European Agri-Food sector

40.

COSAC underlines the need for a future Common Agricultural Policy that is sustainable, simple and market-oriented and boosts competitiveness, innovation and food security, while ensuring generational renewal as well as supporting climate and environmental measures and improving animal welfare.

41.

COSAC takes note of the European Commission’s proposal for a revision of the Common Agricultural Policy post 2027, which must provide a fair income for farmers, safe and affordable food for consumers and strong incentives to apply innovative, smart technologies as well as agroecological and carbon farming practices, and contribute to achieving the EU’s climate and environmental objectives.

42.

COSAC puts emphasis on preserving a future-proof common agricultural policy, with sufficient resources to promote a competitive, sustainable, and resilient agricultural sector that has access to natural resources, provides stronger food security, strengthens farmers’ position in the supply chains and promotes continued product development, while ensuring a level playing field for all farmers in the EU.

43.

Recalling the European Green Deal’s goal of achieving at least 25 % of total agricultural land under organic farming by 2030, COSAC encourages the EU to increase its support for organic farming, which contributes to biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation, soil health, and water quality while also creating profitable opportunities (3).

44.

The transition must be fair and just, pragmatic, cost-effectives and socially balanced and ensure the competitiveness of sectors and businesses.

45.

COSAC acknowledges the potential of bioeconomy and biosolutions hold significant potential in relation to the promotion of sustainable agricultural, food production, and economic growth. At the same time COSAC recalls the Member States’ right to remain GMO-free in accordance with EU law.

46.

COSAC acknowledges the significance of an independent European protein supply, not just as raw material for the live-stock sector, but also for the development of plant-based foods and the diversification of supply sources and the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient agri-food sector. COSAC takes note of the ‘Green Card’ regarding an action plan on plant-based foods submitted to the European Commission on 25 November to encourage it to consider the proposal.

Sustainable Growth and Energy

47.

COSAC stresses that the geopolitical situation has highlighted the importance of strengthening Europe’s security of energy supply and progressing towards a Europe capable of securing domestically produced, clean, and affordable energy. COSAC welcomes the European Commission’s REPowerEU Roadmap and the subsequent proposal for an EU-wide phaseout of Russian energy imports, marking a decisive step towards an EU that is fully and permanently independent of Russian energy.

48.

COSAC emphasises that an energy independent Europe relies on a well-functioning internal energy marked, better-connected energy infrastructure, the transition away from fossil fuels, access to affordable clean energy, and energy efficiency and respect for the principle of technological neutrality. In this regard COSAC welcomes the Affordable Energy Action Plan and looks forward to welcoming the Commission’s upcoming European Grids Package.

49.

COSAC highlights the importance of staying on track towards the EU’s climate neutrality objectives, as accelerating the deployment of clean energy and improving energy efficiency will not only drive down energy costs but also contribute to energy autonomy, reduce the EU’s dependency on fossil fuels and limit its exposure to their price volatility and at the same time improve European businesses’ competitiveness in the global market place. In this context COSAC underlines the importance of implementing policies that deliver on the intermediate 2040-target on the path towards climate neutrality in accordance with the guidance included in the European Council conclusions of 23 October 2025.

EU Enlargement and the Need for Internal Reforms

50.

COSAC welcomes the European Commission’s Enlargement reports for 2025. COSAC reiterates that EU enlargement is a geopolitical and strategic priority. The enlargement process must be in line with the Copenhagen Criteria and follow a merit-based approach, offering candidate countries a clear and credible path to membership. COSAC welcomes the progress already achieved by several countries, COSAC supports the European Commission’s proposal to provide stronger safeguards against backsliding on commitments made in the accession process, especially on the rule of law.

51.

COSAC advocates for sustained financial and political support to facilitate an effective implementation of the necessary reforms in candidate countries and underscores the importance of parliamentary capacity-building projects.

52.

COSAC calls on the European Commission to further explore possible avenues for ‘gradual’ integration, in a merit-based and reversible manner, toward EU membership by granting certain benefits to candidate countries, conditional on their reform progress, respecting the existing decision-making process of the EU.

53.

COSAC finds it essential that the EU continues its work on the internal reforms that are needed to prepare the EU and the EU-institutions properly for an enlarged Union and calls on the European Commission to present, without delay, its long-awaited report on an EU fit for enlargement, including policy reviews and proposals for reform. On this basis, and simultaneously, COSAC encourages Member States to undertake a thorough review of EU values, policies, budget, and governance in order to identify the necessary adjustments.

54.

COSAC underlines that functioning democratic institutions and the protection of the EU’s fundamental rights and the rule of law are fundamental preconditions for acceding the European Union and remain so also after a country has become member of the European Union. COSAC considers it essential for both candidate countries and Member States to ensure strict compliance with these standards. These principles clearly distinguish the EU from autocratic regimes of the world. Considering recent geopolitical developments, and the resilience of European democracies has become even more urgent. COSAC therefore calls on the EU-institutions to explore how to further strengthen the EU’s existing tools to uphold fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law.

55.

COSAC underlines that the allocation of EU funds both to Member States and candidate countries remains conditional upon the full respect for the rule of law as well as the EU’s fundamental values and principles.

56.

COSAC reiterates its earlier statements on Georgia, underlining that the proper functioning of democracy, free elections, and political pluralism are prerequisites for accession to the European Union. Respecting these conditions is essential for the Georgian people to continue their path towards EU membership. COSAC notes that the European Commission now considers Georgia a candidate country in name only.

Middle East

57.

COSAC welcomes United Nations Resolution 2803 on the situation in the Middle East and calls on all parties to implement the Resolution in its entirety, and in line with international law. COSAC also welcomes the agreement reached on the first phase of U.S. President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict. Furthermore, it welcomes the ceasefire and the release of hostages and stresses the urgency of ensuring the return of the remains of deceased hostages and the disarmament of Hamas.

58.

COSAC underlines the need to ensure the rapid, safe, and unhindered delivery of sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at a scale into and throughout Gaza through UN agencies, the Red Cross, and other international humanitarian and non-governmental organisations.

59.

COSAC stresses the importance of de-escalation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and calls for an end to settler violence and the expansion of settlements, which are illegal under international law (4).

60.

COSAC reaffirms its previous unequivocal support for a two-state solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders.

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(1)  The delegation of the Hungarian National Assembly has requested that the following footnote be added to the section of the Contribution on Ukraine: ‘The Delegation of the Hungarian National Assembly – based also on the results of the recent public consultation on Ukraine’s accession to the EU – cannot support the Ukraine section of the Contribution of the LXXIV COSAC, as it does not sufficiently reflect the delegation’s view of this complex subject. The Hungarian Delegation also points out the conditionality character of EU integration process with special attention to the protection of national minority rights.’.

(2)  The Belgian delegation has requested that the following footnote be added to paragraph 14 of the Contribution: ‘The Belgian delegation notes that, in line with the European Council conclusions of 23 October 2025, subject to EU law, Russia's assets should remain immobilized until Russia ends its war of aggression.’.

(3)  The delegations of Poland and the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic have both requested that the following footnote be added to paragraph 43 of the Contribution: ‘Recalling the European Green Deal’s goal of achieving at least 25 % of total agricultural land under organic farming by 2030, which is a European target, individual Member States may set their own targets taking into account their national situations. COSAC encourages the EU to increase its support for organic farming, which contributes to biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation, soil health, and water quality while also creating profitable opportunities.’.

(4)  The delegation from the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic has requested that the following footnote be added to paragraphs 59 and 60 of the Contribution: ‘The delegation of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic disagrees with the wording of paragraphs 59 and 60 in the chapter on the Middle East, because they are formulated in an unbalanced manner towards Israel and do not mention violence and terrorism against Israel and its citizens.’