In line with the Communication for a Simpler and Faster Europe, which aims to streamline EU rules and improve their implementation, Commissioner Jozef Síkela hosted the second Implementation Dialogue on International Partnerships on 8 October 2025. The session, dedicated to the Global Gateway strategy and engagement with the private sector, took place in Brussels with the participation of members and observers of the Global Gateway Business Advisory Group (BAG). President Ursula von der Leyen and the Director-General for International Partnerships, Koen Doens, also attended.
Summary Conclusions
The dialogue focused on reviewing progress under Global Gateway, identifying obstacles to private-sector participation, and gathering feedback on how to simplify access to finance, procurement processes and coordination within Team Europe.
Participants acknowledged the significant progress achieved to date and reiterated their strong support for the strategy. They welcomed the new INTPA Investment Hub as an emerging single point of access for private-sector engagement, while also highlighting areas where further simplification is needed. Stakeholders called for clearer and more transparent engagement channels, improved access to information, simplified procurement procedures, and stronger coordination across Team Europe, including Export Credit Agencies and national development banks.
Businesses emphasised the importance of earlier and more structured engagement with EU Delegations and noted the strong connection between Europe’s internal and external competitiveness. They encouraged further simplification within the Single Market and support for investment and export opportunities abroad. Participants also expressed a preference for integrated packages that bring together policy, finance and private-sector expertise, rather than standalone projects. There was broad agreement on the need for a more cohesive Team Europe approach and a better coordinated Team National.
While the Investment Hub was positively received, stakeholders underlined that procurement remains a key challenge requiring attention.
Commissioner Síkela stressed the importance of Team Europe and confirmed that procurement and upstream engagement with companies are priority areas for improvement. He recognised the need to enhance the accessibility of financial instruments and emphasised that the Investment Hub is a first step in this direction.
In her concluding remarks, President von der Leyen noted that the EUR 300 billion Global Gateway target has already been surpassed and recalled that the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework will seek to address many of the issues raised during the discussion.
List of participating entities
Members
- Brussels Airlines
- Business Europe
- Danone
- Eductrade S.A.
- ENEL Green Power
- FAM AB
- MultiplexDX s.r.o.
- SolarPower Europe
- Telecom Italia Sparkle
- Volvo Group
Observers
- Agence Française de Développement
- Export Guarantee and Insurance Corporation (EGAP)
