Put sectoral industrial competitiveness at heart of policy, says automobile industry

The Competitiveness Council will meet on 4 and 5 December and agenda items include the mid-term review of the Europe 2020 strategy and a policy debate on the ‘mainstreaming’ of industrial competitiveness. Following the debate, the Council is expected to approve conclusions with the preparation of a roadmap for dealing with challenges and opportunities of the European industry.

ACEA, in line with other industrial players, emphasises the need for this roadmap to genuinely support European industry. ACEA welcomes the fact that political leaders recognise the contribution of industry to EU growth, and ACEA fully supports the aim for industry to contribute 20% of GDP by 2020.

However, ACEA is of the opinion that stronger sector-focused strategies will be needed to support the new European Commission’s call for greater job creation through strengthened competitiveness and stimulated investment in Europe.

Speaking ahead of the Competitiveness Council, ACEA Secretary General Erik Jonnaert said, “ACEA calls for a more specific competitiveness strategy for the automotive industry in Europe to make the Commission’s Jobs, Growth and Investment Package meaningful for all those who are active in our industry.”

Mr Jonnaert added, “There is now a need to follow through on the recent CARS2020 initiative. The automotive industry favours a more focused policy framework, which prioritises innovation, balanced international trade and smart regulation principles. Every new legislative proposal should be screened to ensure they are cost effective and do not add unnecessary additional burdens on our companies. ACEA members are ready to act as a pilot sector for this focused policy approach.”

ACEA believes that a sectoral approach to competitiveness is the most effective way forward.