Commissioner Marta Kos Holds First Implementation Dialogue with Business Stakeholders

On 10 June, Commissioner Marta Kos hosted her first Implementation Dialogue with stakeholders, bringing together around 15 representatives from business support organisations and companies. The meeting focused on how the EU could further step up its engagement with the private sector to realise its ambitious investment agenda in the EU and its Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood partners.

Discussions centred on identifying the key challenges currently hindering investment flows in the region, as well as exploring new and emerging opportunities. Participants also shared their views on how the EU can better align its support with the needs of businesses and investors on the ground.

Commissioner Kos highlighted the crucial role the private sector plays in turning the EU’s ambitious investment agenda into real results. Strengthening economic connections with neighbouring countries requires not only political commitment, but it also needs collaboration with businesses. In this context, the Commissioner stressed that the EU accession process brings clear benefits to the business community. Gradual alignment with EU rules and standards helps businesses get a head start, while accession reforms improve the overall business climate. Greater transparency, predictability, and a level playing field make it easier for companies to grow and invest.

Participants also provided valuable feedback on current EU initiatives which aim to support private sector engagement and investment mobilisation. Their first-hand insights will contribute to further shaping the EU’s policy and finetuning the of use financial tools in the region.

This meeting was part of the Implementation Dialogues—a political-level consultation tool established by President von der Leyen and included in the mission letters to all Commissioners. These dialogues are designed to gather targeted feedback from stakeholders on how to better implement EU policies, simplify rules, and improve spending programmes in line with EU priorities.