The European Commission's Competitiveness Compass, presented on January 29, 2025, outlines a five-year strategy to enhance the EU's economic standing. The Association of the Austrian Wood Industries welcomes the initiative but stresses that immediate action is needed.
“The Commission’s promises for greater competitiveness sound good, but these announcements must quickly translate into concrete measures,” said Herbert Jöbstl, chairman of the association. He pointed to three years of recession as a pressing reason for rapid policy implementation to support businesses.
A key part of the Commission's plan is reducing bureaucracy by cutting reporting requirements and subjecting regulations to "reality checks" and "stress testing." Jöbstl described reducing bureaucratic burdens as the most cost-effective economic stimulus but warned that current EU regulations, such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the EU Supply Chain Act, and sustainability reporting requirements, are adding significant challenges for businesses. He called for a moratorium on new regulatory burdens to provide immediate relief.
Jöbstl also emphasized that Europe needs a long-term strategy to strengthen its economic position. He warned that while other global regions have improved their competitiveness, Europe has become entangled in excessive regulations. “The Commission’s announced steps are just the beginning. Europe faces the tough challenge of regaining its competitiveness,” he said.
The Austrian Wood Industry Association represents the interests of almost 1,300 wood processing companies in the building products, furniture, panel, sawmill and ski industries as well as in other wood processing companies such as pallet manufacturing.
