The European Commission and the Council are making European industrial competitiveness the cornerstone of Agenda 2025. Faced with trade tensions with the United States and China, the European Union intends to strengthen its strategic industries, invest in innovation and secure its value chains. The relocation of key sectors (chemicals, steel, batteries, semi-conductors) and a reform of the carbon adjustment mechanism at borders are on the agenda for European industrial competitiveness. European leaders are defending a proactive vision: “Industrial independence has become the foundation of our sovereignty”, sums up Ursula Von Der Leyen.
The agenda also includes a review of competition policy and the negotiation of international agreements incorporating strict environmental standards. This is a profound change for the EU, which is seen as the keystone of social cohesion, job preservation and global technological leadership.
European industrial competitiveness: A strategic priority in the face of global competition
The diversity of national interests is hampering coherent adoption by the European Commission. Some member states are calling for an accelerated timetable, while others are calling for progressive measures to avoid sacrificing jobs. The balance between economic growth, ecological imperatives and political unity will be crucial to the success of this strategy, and hence to European industrial competitiveness. But what about social issues?
