It is on Thursday, January 30, that the European Commission (EC) will launch a strategic dialogue on the future of the automotive industry aimed at ensuring its future competitiveness.
This Thursday’s meeting will bring together European decision-makers, the automotive industry from the old continent, and social partners. At the end of this dialogue, which is expected to take place over a matter of weeks, an action plan regarding the automotive industry and mobility will be released, as indicated by the president of the community executive, Ursula von der Leyen.
This initiative aims to “involve industry stakeholders, social partners, and interested parties to collaboratively understand challenges, develop solutions, and take concrete actions”.
The dialogue launched by the EC comes at a time when the European automotive industry is under significant pressure. The EC states that the industry “is facing a period of significant transformation, driven by digitalization, decarbonization, increased competition, and a changing geopolitical landscape”.
“The automotive sector is a European pride and is essential for the prosperity of Europe. It drives innovation, secures millions of jobs, and is the largest private investor in research and development. Each sector has its own needs, and it is our responsibility to design tailored solutions that are both clean and competitive. We must support this industry in the profound and disruptive transition that lies ahead and ensure that the future of the sector remains firmly rooted in Europe. For this reason, I called for a strategic dialogue on the future of the European automotive industry,” said Ursula von der Leyen when she announced the launch of this strategic dialogue.
It should be noted that the European automotive industry is responsible for employing more than 13 million people and contributing approximately 7% to the EU’s GDP.