EU Focuses on Industry

At the end of February, the European Commission hosted the first European Industry Day. The event brought together high-level policymakers, the most important industrial players and other key stakeholders to discuss the future of industry in the EU.

President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker warned against the growing protectionist and anti-global sentiments in the world. While the EU must protect its industry and businesses with modern trade defence instruments, it can’t and won’t take the path of protectionism. While the Investment Plan for Europe has managed to attract new investment opportunities, the Commission will continue to further stimulate investments by creating new incentives. The Investment Plan for Europe has been a big success so far, but according to the Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy Jerzy Buzek, EFSI 2.0 must focus more on industrial policy projects. Apart from that, the EU must, according to Buzek, set the right balance between industrial and environmental policy, because if the environmental policy will set too demanding goals, the industrial base in the EU will disappear.

European businesses were represented, among others, by President of BusinessEurope Emma Marcegaglia. She stressed that industrial policy needs better governance on all levels, from the Competitiveness Council to regional authorities. The EU has been already successful in implementing certain industrial principles, but if the initiatives won’t have holistic approach, the EU will lose its competitiveness. Czech business organizations support the intention of the European Commission to focus more on industrial policy in the EU. They call on the European Commission to create an ambitious and horizontal strategy to support European industry with strong leadership, while mainstreaming industrial competitiveness.