The European Commission will initiate a Strategic Dialogue on the future of the automotive industry on 30 January, a critical step to address the challenges and opportunities in a sector vital to the EU’s economy and climate objectives.
The initiative, announced by President Ursula von der Leyen during a European Parliament address on 27 November 2024, reflects the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding the industry’s long-term competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience. The automotive sector is a cornerstone of European prosperity, contributing 7% to the EU’s GDP and employing over 13 million people.
The dialogue will bring together key stakeholders, including manufacturers and suppliers, trade unions, and civil society representatives. Regular meetings and thematic working groups will tackle critical areas such as innovation, clean transition and decarbonization, competitiveness, trade relations, and regulatory streamlining.
Insights from these discussions will shape an action plan led by Commissioner Tzitzikostas, outlining a roadmap for the industry’s sustainable and competitive future. Broader consultations will extend across the automotive value chain, incorporating perspectives from smaller stakeholders and addressing regional concerns. The European Parliament and Council will remain actively involved to align the initiative with EU-wide objectives.
The European automotive industry faces significant challenges, including digitalization, decarbonization, intensifying global competition, and geopolitical pressures. These dynamics threaten the EU’s leadership in the global automotive market.
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