The European Commission (EC) has launched a Strategic Dialogue with stakeholders in the European automotive industry to develop solutions to support the sector in a period of transformation, the EC said in a statement.
The strategic dialogue initiative will start on 30 January and aims to protect the future of the automotive sector, which is the second largest consumer of steel, Kallanish notes.
The European Commission will hold regular meetings with all stakeholders to ensure the long-term competitiveness, sustainability and viability of the European automotive industry.
“The key topics for discussion will be innovation, clean transition and decarbonization, competitiveness and sustainability, trade relations and an international level playing field, as well as regulatory simplification and process optimization,” EC said. “The European automotive sector has long faced various challenges caused by the corona crisis, the war in Ukraine, and political and economic turmoil in Europe.”
Within the Commission, the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas has been tasked with developing an action plan for the sector, which will benefit from these discussions.
The Strategic Dialogue will be chaired by President Ursula von der Leyen and consist of regular meetings bringing together industry representatives (manufacturers, suppliers), social partners, Commissioners and other stakeholders, including from civil society.
Thematic working groups will then come forward with detailed proposals. Broader consultations with other stakeholders across the industry as well as other parts of the automotive value chain, will also be conducted. The Council and European Parliament will be closely involved throughout the process.
The automotive industry, a cornerstone of the European economy, employs over 13 million people and contributes approximately 7% to the EU’s GDP.
“However, this critical industry is facing a period of significant transformation, driven by digitalization, decarbonization, increased competition, and a changing geopolitical landscape,” EC observes. “These factors are challenging the established strengths of European carmakers.”
Svetoslav Abrossimov Bulgaria
