EU member states call for a more ambitious industrial strategy
On 16th November the Council adopted a set of conclusions calling for a more dynamic, resilient and competitive European industry.
According to EU member states, the answer to the COVID-19 crisis must be the creation of a sustainable, attractive and competitive European business environment. In this respect, a strengthened EU Single Market, with a well-functioning standardisation system, and an effective level playing field are key.
The EU technological leadership must be reinforced, through data infrastructure and communication networks. Upskilling and training the workforce to new technologies is a sine qua non.
As requested by the Industry4Europe coalition in 2018 with the Joint Paper on Indicators, the Commission is invited to define KPIs for monitoring the industrial strategy and competitiveness by the end of March 2021.
Finally, the Commission is called upon to present an update of its New Industrial Strategy ahead of the European Council in March 2021.
CECE welcomes the push of the EU member states for a more ambitious industrial strategy. To this purpose, the EP Intergroup on Sustainable, Long-term investments & Competitive European Industry will offer a platform to openly discuss how to strengthen the competitiveness of the European business environment.