Fight for the future: Europe's automotive industry ago!

Fight for the future: Europe's automotive industry ago!

The third strategic dialogue about the future of the European automotive industry took place on September 12, 2025 in Brussels under the direction of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The aim of the event was to discuss Europe's competitiveness in the global automotive market. Representatives of the automotive industry, social partners and central players took part in this dialog. It was emphasized that urgent action was necessary to successfully implement the action plan presented in March 2025. The challenges through technological upheavals and geopolitical developments require comprehensive rethinking in the industry.

As reports [Oekonews] (https://www2.oekonews.at/europa-ringe-um-die-zukunt-automobile industry. The dialog sent a strong political signal and underlined the Commission's ability to act in industrial policy. Future projects include the revision of CO₂ limit values, new regulations for company fleets and simplifications in vehicle law.

Challenges of the automotive industry

The European automotive and supply industry is in a profound change that is accompanied by social dimensions. Hundreds of thousands of jobs are at risk from these changes, and many in the industry see their companies in the initial stage of digital transformation. The unions have already warned of inadequate answers to social issues in industrial conversion. The [representation of the EU in Germany] (https://germany.represation.ec.europa.eu/news/zukun-der- automobile industry-strategic-strategic-dialogue-axle-plan-a-consultation-2025-01-30_de) emphasizes that measures to protect and promote the automotive industry is planning.

A central area of ​​the dialogue are the challenges regarding access to talent, technological innovation and the legal framework that urgently need to be addressed. In order to meet these challenges, four thematic work areas were set up, which, among other things, focus on the clean changeover of the automotive sector and technical and digital innovations.

The action plan as an answer

The action plan, which emerges from the strategic dialogue, aims to strengthen the international competitiveness of the European automotive industry. The [Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (Bmwk)] (https://www.bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de/de/Pressemitteilungen/20250305-bmwk-begruesst-ten-kraktplan-e-kommission-Zur-Staekung-derwettfahtfaehnkeit-der-Ter- der-uropa.html) already has the action plan) greeted. It comprises five key areas, including innovative ability in digitization and autonomous driving, support for electromobility, as well as improving the competitiveness of the supply chain and local production of important components.

Overall, the automotive industry secures over 13 million jobs and contributes around 1 trillion euros to the EU's gross domestic product. In view of the progressive digitization and climate -political requirements, massive investments are necessary to promote the green and digital transformation of the industry in Europe.