Brussels, 21 February 2025
Yesterday, Commissioner ApostolosTzitzikostas hosted a high-level roundtable as part of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Automotive Industry, launched by President von der Leyen on 30 January 2025. The discussion brought together key European industry leaders, social partners, and stakeholders to focus on enabling conditions for the transition of Europe’s automotive industry and value chain to clean and smart mobility, fostering collaboration and shaping the sector’s future.
Commissioner Tzitzikostas also met with representatives of the Alliance of Automotive Regions, initiated by the European Committee of the Regions.
These discussions are part of the inclusive and collaborative process that was initiated under the Strategic Dialogue, to better understand and address the critical challenges facing the sector. The replies to an open public consultation on the future of the European automotive industry and the output of this consultative process and Working Group discussions will inform the EU Industrial Action Plan for the automotive sector, to be presented by Commissioner Tzitzikostas on 5 March.
The list of participants to yesterday’s discussion are available here.
Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Automotive Industry
The European Commission has launched a Strategic Dialogue with the European automotive industry, social partners and other key stakeholders on 30 January. This initiative underscores the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding the future of a sector vital to European prosperity, while at the same time advancing its decarbonisation goals and broader societal objectives.
The European automotive and supplier industry is undergoing a profound and transformative shift. The Commission acknowledges the urgent need to take measures that will both protect the European automotive industry and ensure its continued prosperity within the European Union. In this context, President von der Leyen has tasked Commissioner Tzitzikostas to present an Action Plan on 5 March.
The Action Plan will address a broad range of issues relevant for the sector, such as ensuring access to talent and resources, fostering technological innovation and the development of next-generation vehicles, and establishing a pragmatic and predictable regulatory framework. It will be based on:
- A high-level discussion with President von der Leyen that took place on 30 January (participants)
- A public consultation that is open from 30 January to 13 February
- four thematic dialogues:
Commissioner Hoekstra focuses on the Clean Transition of the automotive sector.
- 12 February – thematic dialogue, participants
Commissioner Séjourné addresses the Industrial Value Chain for the industry.
- 19 February – thematic dialogue, Battery session, participants
- 19 February – thematic dialogue, Suppliers session, participants
Commissioner Virkkunen oversees discussions on Technological and Digital Innovation.
- 17 February – thematic dialogue, participants
Commissioner Mînzatu leads on Skills and Social considerations within the sector.
- 13 February – thematic dialogue, participants
Commissioner Tzitzikostas held a roundtable discussion with stakeholders on 20 February (participants), and met with representatives of the Alliance of Automotive Regions (participants), initiated by the European Committee of the Regions.
The output of this consultative process will inspire the Action Plan, to be presented by Commissioner Tzitzikostas.
The Council and European Parliament will be closely involved in the process and will be regularly informed and consulted on the Dialogue.
For more information
- Press release: President von der Leyen launches Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Automotive Industry and announces Action Plan
- Press release: Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry will be launched on 30 January
- Concept Note: Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry
- Press release: Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry to start in January