TEK makes a difference in the EU

TEK makes a difference in the EU

We make a difference where decisions affecting our members are made. That is why we work to promote technology, competitiveness, and a better working life at the EU level.

Bringing technological leadership to Europe

TEK’s EU vision

The EU must step up and become a global leader in technology by investing in knowledge, research and innovation as well as structures that promote renewal. Europe’s strength stems from its ability to steer technological development in alignment with its values: democracy, social justice and sustainability. Achieving technological leadership requires greater EU integration and unity: a common direction, the courage to invest in long-term progress and structures that unleash the full potential of European know-how, capital and start-ups.

TEK’s role in EU advocacy

TEK acts in arenas where its members’ interests can best be served, including the EU. TEK is a growth-orientated trade union that has a lot to say about the areas in which the EU has room for improvement – specifically the restoration of the EU’s position as a leader of technological development and commercialisation. People listen to us because of who we speak for, how we deliver our message and what we have to say. We are a trusted partner, and we promote what is good for the EU as a whole. TEK’s focus when it comes to lobbying the EU is on proactive engagement.

TEK’s priorities in EU advocacy are aligned with the national sustainable growth objectives. The EU context adds a number of intriguing angles – such as the development of the single market – to the advocacy agenda, however.

TEK pursues its EU vision by lobbying EU institutions, European stakeholders and national decision-makers together with various national and international partners, such as ANE, Nordic IN and UNI. TEK also encourages Finns to pursue positions within the EU.

TEK’s key priorities in EU advocacy

Technology

The EU must invest in cutting-edge research, development and innovation to achieve technological leadership and make the world a better place.
The EU innovation policy must be founded on technology neutrality, cost-effectiveness, sustainability and growing competitiveness.
The EU must accelerate the adoption and commercialisation of new technologies by building stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors.
The EU must strive for strategic autonomy in respect of dependencies on minerals and products that could be weaponised against the EU.
The EU must create favourable conditions for the emergence of world-class European technology companies capable of challenging US and Chinese technology giants.

Economy and competitiveness

The EU must strive for open trade and only use protectionist measures to a very limited and carefully considered extent.
The EU needs a clearly defined and well-thought-out industrial policy. An EU-level policy is needed to avoid a subsidy race between member states.
Integration of the EU internal market must be deepened to create a truly unified market even if this requires harmonising national legislation to align with internal market standards.
The EU must stick to its environmental goals to secure long-term benefits even if there are adverse effects on competitiveness in the short term. The EU environmental policy must be founded on carbon pricing and leveraging market mechanisms.
The EU must invest heavily in work-based immigration and strive to maintain at least the current level of population in the long term.
The EU must implement the fifth freedom, i.e. the free movement of science, knowledge and innovation, and strengthen the mobility of labour and students.
The EU must build and maintain innovative structures that foster high-growth entrepreneurship and eliminate structures that serve to preserve the status quo.
The EU must be a desirable place to start and grow a business. The administrative burden on businesses must be kept reasonable.

Fairness and acceptability

The EU technology policy must be human-centric and protect the digital rights of people. Regulation of artificial intelligence and the data economy must enable innovation while also ensuring safe and responsible use of technology.
The current standard of workplace rights must be preserved across the EU, and steps must be taken to harmonise these rights towards the Nordic level.
EU cohesion funding is necessary, but the system must be reformed so that support is not directed towards activities that distort markets and competition.
The EU needs economic growth and higher productivity, but the conditions for a sustainable and healthy work–life balance must not be sacrificed in the process.

Decision-making and integration

The EU must embrace multi-speed development, i.e. that coalitions of like-minded member states can advance common legislation without requiring the commitment of all member states.
EU integration must be deepened, as rising geopolitical tensions make it vital to keep the few allies that we have even closer.
EU member states must invest in cultural competence to ensure smooth business and cooperation between member states.
EU security cooperation must be deepened with the aim of creating a common defence market.
The EU’s coordinating role in education policy is needed in the future as well.
The EU’s values – human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights – will continue to provide a solid foundation for the development of the EU going forward.

Transparency Register ‹

We conduct our advocacy work openly. Anyone can check the EU Transparency Register to see who we meet with and on what topics.

Keywords:

society