Industry4Europe, a coalition of 149 industrial Associations from across the European Union, has published a joint paper calling for "an ambitious and long-term EU industrial strategy". The joint paper, entitled ‘A long-term strategy for Europe’s industrial future: from words to action’ is designed to contribute to the bloc's future industrial strategy announced by European Commission President-Elect Ursula von der Leyen.
The Joint Paper presents industrial policy proposals in seven priority fields:
- business-friendly policy environment,
- sustainability at business core,
- upgraded skills and training,
- enhanced research and innovation,
- investment and improved access to finance,
- reinforcement of the European Single Market,
- strengthened trade and international market access.
A press release from the coalition stated: "The 149 industry organisations behind Industry4Europe stand united in their repeated calls for an ambitious and long-term EU industrial strategy that must help Europe remain a hub for a leading, smart, innovative and sustainable industry, that provides quality jobs and benefits all Europeans and future generations."
“With its skilled workforce and its global reputation for quality and sustainability, our industry is vital for Europe and its prosperity”, said Philippe Citroën, Coordinator of the Industry4Europe Coalition. “The European Union needs an ambitious industrial strategy now to compete with other global regions that have already put industry at the very top of their political agenda. It is essential for a horizontal, coherent and focused industrial policy to support the backbone of the European economy and which protects citizens and the global environment”.
European Commission President-Elect von der Leyen, who is set to take over from current Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on December 1st, has said in the Political Guidelines she set out for her upcoming time in office that she would: “put forward my plan for a future-ready economy, our new industrial strategy”.
The statement accompanying the new Industry4Europe joint paper said that the coalition "looks forward to working with all policymakers – notably the designated Executive Vice-Presidents Valdis Dombrovskis and Margrethe Vestager and Commissioner Thierry Breton – to discuss and implement such an ambitious and much-needed EU industrial strategy."
The full text of the Joint Paper ‘A long-term strategy for Europe’s industrial future: from words to action’ is here.
