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The European Commission has launched an open public consultation on the future of the European automotive industry, in order to help European manufacturers against Chinese competition.
This is the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Automotive Industry in Europe, which has started and will last until February 13, aiming at cooperation between European automotive industry players, social partners, and other stakeholders to develop a common understanding of the most critical challenges and potential solutions to turn them into action.
The results of this consultation will form the basis for the EU’s industrial action plan in the automotive sector, which will be presented on March 5 by Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas. This plan “will chart a clear course to ensure our industry can thrive in Europe and compete successfully on a global stage,” emphasized Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The automotive industry represents over 13 million jobs and about 7% of the EU’s Gross Domestic Product.
On Thursday, January 30, the President of the European Commission convened key leaders of the European industry, social partners, and stakeholders to start the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry. “This dialogue marks the beginning of an inclusive and cooperative process aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by the sector and ensuring its continued success as a key driver of the European economy,” stated Ursula von der Leyen. About twenty industry players participated in this Dialogue, including: the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), car manufacturers BMW, Daimler Truck, Renault, Volkswagen, Iveco, Traton, and Volvo, as well as the European Automobile Suppliers Association (CLEPA) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF).
In addition to Greek Transport Commissioner Ap. Tzitzikostas, four more Commissioners will lead discussions on key issues concerning the entire value chain of the automotive industry. Commissioner for Climate Wopke Hoekstra will focus on the Clean Transition in the automotive sector, and Commissioner for Industrial Strategy Stéphane Séjourné will deal with the Industrial Value Chain for the sector. Vice-President of the Commission, responsible for Digital and Technological Sovereignty Henna Virkkunen will oversee discussions on Technological and Digital Innovation, while Executive Vice-President for Social Rights Roxana Minzatu will lead issues on Skills and Social Matters in the sector.
The European Commission is invited to reconcile the EU’s environmental ambitions and the calls for help from the European automotive industry, which faces fines in case of non-compliance with carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction targets. The Commission promised “flexibility” with the environmental targets for the European automotive industry in Germany, France, Italy, and other member states, which are severely affected by Chinese competition. At the same time, Donald Trump’s return to power in the United States raises fears of an explosion in customs duties on European cars.