European Union urged to strengthen production, innovation and defence

European Parliament member Dimitris Tsiodras, speaking on Rhodes, said the European Union is fully aware of the challenges it faces and must act to preserve its competitiveness. He called for deeper integration and the completion of the single market so that the 450 million EU citizens function as a true economic force rather than 27 separate markets.

Tsiodras urged the Union to increase its budget and seek new own‑resource revenues without cutting the Common Agricultural Policy or Cohesion Policy. He highlighted the need to invest in domestic production, technological innovation and defence, stressing that Europe should reduce reliance on the United States and Asia. He advocated common defence policies, noting that the post‑World‑War‑II security model is outdated, and pointed to the long‑term goal of a European army.

The MEP also argued for stricter standards on imported goods to ensure fair competition and protect European businesses, emphasizing that Europe possesses top‑class universities, research staff and savings that must be directed toward these strategic priorities.