On 27 November 2024, President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Commission would launch a Strategic Dialogue with the automotive industry, social partners, and key stakeholders on 30 January. This initiative highlights the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the future of a sector vital to European prosperity while advancing climate goals.
The automotive industry employs over 13 million people and contributes around 7% to the EU’s GDP, but it faces significant transformation due to digitalisation, decarbonisation, increased competition, and geopolitical changes. In response, the Commission is initiating this dialogue to collaboratively develop solutions that will maintain the industry’s global competitiveness.
Under President von der Leyen’s leadership, the Strategic Dialogue will include regular meetings with industry representatives, social partners, and other stakeholders, with working groups tasked with providing detailed proposals. The process will involve consultations across the automotive value chain, with the Council and European Parliament closely engaged.
Key discussion topics will include innovation, clean transition, competitiveness, trade relations, and regulatory optimisation. The annexed Concept Note will guide these discussions. The Commission is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the European automotive industry.
