Alberto Ribolla: Lombardy has the credentials to become a major European economic hub

Milan, 8 July 2016 – Having moved past the initial shock caused by the Brexit crisis across Europe, we are aware that change brings opportunity. As Lombardy, and indeed as a country, we have a duty to respond promptly and cohesively. Today’s meeting of the task force, strongly advocated by President Maroni, alongside the imminent creation of a single steering committee for the Lombardy system, is the best response our regional system could provide in this time of global uncertainty.

The objective identified today, which received the consensus of all stakeholders involved, is to make Milan and Lombardy an international hub that attracts investment, people, businesses, start-ups, and European agencies. Lombardy is a region with formidable potential for attraction in terms of industry, science, tourism, landscape, and culture. We are competitive and attractive in terms of infrastructure and environment, as well as costs, and we are a territory inextricably linked to Europe.

To succeed as a viable alternative to London, we must adopt a broad vision that builds on Lombardy’s strengths: as the pivot of a major, highly interconnected European economic hub that includes the Italian regions of the EUSALP Alpine Macroregion; and as Italy’s leading manufacturing region and the top region for manufacturing employment in Europe, with one million workers. Establishing a presence in Lombardy means gaining access to a system of excellence in production, innovation, research, and training that makes it, starting with Milan, an ideal place to live and work.

Building on these numerous strengths, by working as a team we can play a major role as a magnet for innovative start-ups. We have the credentials to host the European authorities currently based in London (specifically the EMA and the central division of the Unified Patent Court), as well as the expertise to attract high-value-added financial activities. We must therefore immediately initiate a dialogue with the European Commission while simultaneously building a strong consensus among all stakeholders in the Lombardy system, with the involvement of the national government.

As Confindustria Lombardia, we will immediately ensure our contribution to ensure that rapid decisions are taken and a strategic vision is implemented, in the name of the general interest represented by the development of our region’s competitiveness.

Attachments

• Brexit task force - President Ribolla statement - 8Jul2016.pdf