A joint call to the Heads of State and Government

European industry is everywhere in our daily life: from the houses we build, the furniture we buy, the clothes we wear, the food we eat, the health care we receive, the energy and means of transport we use to the objects and products ever-present in our lives.

With its skilled workforce and its global reputation for quality and sustainability, the industry is vital for Europe and its prosperity. Today, 52 million people and their families throughout Europe benefit directly and indirectly from employment in industrial sectors. Our supply chains, made up of hundreds of thousands of innovative SMEs and larger suppliers, are exporting European industrial excellence all over the world.

INDUSTRY NEEDS YOUR LEADERSHIP

Following the 2008 financial crisis, millions of manufacturing jobs were lost in Europe, each time bringing dramatic human and social consequences. Even now, we are still far from the employment levels seen before the crisis and jobs are vulnerable to worrying international trends, including increasing protectionism.

The European Union now needs an ambitious industrial strategy to help compete with other global regions – such as China, India and the USA – that have already put industry at the very top of their political agenda.

We, as organisations representing all sectors of industry in the EU, call on Heads of State and Government to:

  • Urge the next European Commission to shortlist industry as a top priority of its 5-year Work Programme and appoint a dedicated Vice-President for Industry;
  • Require the next European Commission to swiftly present an ambitious long-term EU industrial strategy, which shall include clear indicators and governance;
  • Take stock, each year at the Spring European Council, of progress in the implementation of this EU industrial strategy, and provide political guidance to foster European competitiveness.

We, the Signatories of this Manifesto, count on your proactive and coordinated leadership to make sure that Europe remains a hub for a leading, smart, innovative and sustainable industry, that benefits all Europeans and future generations.

Europe can be proud of its industry. Together we must put it at the core of the EU’s future!