Importance of industry ‘must’ be recognised

The European Commission has urged EU member states to recognise the central importance of industry for creating jobs and growth and to mainstream industry-related competitiveness concerns across all policy areas. This is the key message of the Communication ‘For a European Industrial Renaissance’.

European Commission Vice-President responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship, Antonio Tajani, said: “Europe is still far from the 20% target of industry’s share in Europe’s GDP by 2020. That is why industrial competitiveness has to be at the heart of the March 2014 European Council political agenda. With today’s initiative, the Commission sends a clear signal that urgent reindustrialisation and modernisation of our economy is indispensable if we are to create new jobs.”

The Commission has called on the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament to adopt proposals on energy, transport, space and digital communications networks, as well as implement and enforce legislation to complete the internal market. Furthermore, industrial modernisation must be pursued by investing in innovation, resource efficiency, new technologies, skills and access to finance, accelerated by the use of dedicated EU funds.

The Communication promotes a more business friendly Europe through actions to simplify the legislative framework and improve the efficiency of public administration at EU, national and regional levels. Easier access to third country markets through harmonisation of international standards, open public procurement, patent protection and economic diplomacy are also key issues.

Tajani added: “We need a strong commitment at the EU and national level to ensure coherence and prioritisation of all instruments at our disposal. An industrial strategy must encompass many other sectors, as they are increasingly interconnected and have a major impact on industrial success.”