Strasbourg's economic council unveiled

Catherine Trautmann, president of the Eurométropole de Strasbourg, outlined ten priorities to strengthen ties between the local government and the business community during the first meeting of the newly formed metropolitan economic council on October 23. The council was created in June to rebuild trust with the business sector and ensure that entrepreneurs can express their concerns and help shape public policies.

Leadership and confidence scores

Nathalie Roos, a former executive at Mars Chocolat and L’Oréal, was appointed to lead the council. She stressed that the region’s economic success depends on the vitality of its businesses. A survey of 765 responses from 1,371 businesses showed an average confidence score of 6.87 out of 10 toward the Eurométropole, indicating a moderate level of trust.

Priorities for economic growth

The ten priorities are divided into two groups: five aimed at "unlocking the system" and five focused on "succeeding." The first group includes freeing up land, designating a primary contact for businesses, making public decisions more predictable, and opening public networks and procurement to very small enterprises. The second group emphasizes leveraging European opportunities, connecting research with small and medium enterprises, attracting talent, and using ecological and digital transitions as competitive advantages.

New administrative measures

A concrete plan announced by the council is the creation of a direct contact point for each business by January 1, 2027. This will include a dedicated website page and a two-day response time for initial inquiries, with issues resolved within 15 days. The goal is to simplify administrative procedures and improve communication with businesses.

Structure and future steps

The council includes 395 voluntary business leaders who will form working groups and a strategic committee of 15 members, including representatives from local companies and institutions. The strategic committee will be renewed every two years and will advise the Eurométropole. A first progress report is scheduled for March 12, but it remains to be seen whether this closer collaboration will significantly transform the region’s economy.