Von der Leyen launches Automotive Industry Dialogue with Action Plan

The last Thursday, President von der Leyen has convened key European industry leaders, social partners, and stakeholders for the launch of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry. This dialogue marks the start of an inclusive and collaborative process aimed at addressing critical challenges facing the sector and ensuring its continued success as a major driver of the European economy.

Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “The European automotive industry is at a pivotal moment, and we acknowledge the challenges it faces. That is why we are acting swiftly to address them. The fundamental question we need to answer together is what we still miss to unleash the innovative power of our companies and ensure a robust and sustainable automotive sector. Today marks the beginning of a dialogue that will help us navigate the changes ahead. The outcome of this dialogue will be a comprehensive Action Plan, which we will present on March 5th. This Action Plan will chart a clear course to ensure our industry can thrive in Europe and compete successfully on a global stage.”

The automotive industry is a vital engine for European prosperity, supporting over 13 million direct and indirect jobs and contributing approximately €1 trillion to our gross domestic product. Beyond the economic impact, the industry ensures the safe and affordable mobility of our citizens and businesses, producing products that are globally admired.

The European automotive and supplier industry is undergoing a profound and transformative shift. The Commission acknowledges the urgent need to take measures that will both protect the European automotive industry and ensure its continued prosperity within the European Union. In this context, President von der Leyen has tasked Commissioner Tzitzikostas to present an Action Plan on the 5th of March.

The Action Plan will address a broad range of issues relevant for the sector, such as ensuring access to talent and resources, fostering technological innovation and the development of next-generation vehicles, and establishing a pragmatic and predictable regulatory framework. It will be based on:

• Today’s high-level discussion, in which 22 key players from the automotive sector actively participated. Today’s discussions focus on the main areas that require urgent attention, including the need for an international ‘level playing field’, facilitate the clean transition and regulatory streamlining, as well as identifying areas where more concrete measures are needed.
• A public consultation, which is being launched today to gather wider input on challenges and potential solutions from all interested parties, and;
• four thematic work strands, where the President has mandated four Commissioners to lead focused discussions on key topics with a diverse group of stakeholders from the automotive sector value chain. More specifically:
  • Commissioner Hoekstra will focus on the Clean Transition of the automotive sector.
  • Commissioner Séjourné will address the Industrial Value Chain for the industry.
  • Commissioner Virkkunen will oversee discussions on Technological and Digital Innovation.
  • Commissioner Mînzatu will lead on Skills and Social considerations within the sector.

The output of this consultative process will inspire the Action Plan, to be presented by Commissioner Tzitzikostas.

The Council and European Parliament will be closely involved in the process and will be regularly informed and consulted on the Dialogue.

More information European Commission.