Mr Chair,

I have the honour to deliver this general statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro^*, Serbia^*, Albania^*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina^* and Georgia, as well as Monaco align themselves with this statement.

First, I wish to thank the facilitator, Mr. Emil Ben Naftaly from Israel.

The EU Member States supported this resolution.  

Entrepreneurship, with micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in particular, is the backbone of the global economy. It promotes inclusive economic growth, creates jobs, drives innovation and creativity, and addresses socioeconomic and environmental challenges. At the same time, it is currently facing serious challenges and uncertainties due to interlinked shocks and crises exacerbated by increased geopolitical tensions and conflicts. The presented resolution not only emphasizes the critical role of entreprenuership, but also highlights effective policies and adresses systemic barriers. Such approach is needed to  accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and ensure that no one is left behind.

The EU emphasizes the importance of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, including among women, youth and other underrepresented entrepreneurs, whose roles are pivotal for achieving sustainable economic growth, as stipulated in the objectives of the Pact for the Future and its annexes. We appreciate that the adopted resolution reflects this important document as well as the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030.

Women and girls in particular are important drivers of entrepreneurship and sustainable development, and we reiterate the need to empower women through entrepreneurship by increasing their employment and market opportunities. Inclusive societies that build upon good governance, the rule of law, human rights, and fundamental freedoms are integral to these efforts.

We are pleased to note that the resolution contains references to the care and domestic work, reflecting thus the ILO´s “5Rs framework for decent care work”. We also welcome the references to social and solidarity economy. 

Last but not least, the EU wishes to highlight the key role the entrepreneurs and enterprises play in promoting a resource-efficient and circular economy which opens up the way for a wide range of entrepreneurial opportunities. Therefore, we also welcome  that this resolution aptly highlights the opportunities that Artificial Inteligence presents for entrepreneurship. Technological improvement leads to innovative business models, increasing productive capacities and building resilience while helping adapt to shocks and fast-changing environments.

Mr Chair,

I thank you.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.