In a context of new industrial policies being developed by the European Commission, a shift in focus from the European Green Deal to competitiveness, and growing international geoeconomic tensions, it is essential to engage in constructive and multi-stakeholder discussions on industrial policy.
Since the release of the Draghi report one year ago, competitiveness has become the main theme of the European Commission. However, the definition of competitiveness remains fuzzy and the narrative around it problematic. In the name of competitiveness, different initiatives are advanced that entail deregulation and backtracking on green commitments. In other cases, we see calls for channelling subsidies to large incumbent companies. While the Clean Industrial Deal seeks to bring together climate and competitiveness concerns, its implementation will face many challenges.
The conference discussed the goals of the European industrial policy and explore the necessary combination of the clean, just and competitive dimensions. What is competitiveness and its role in achieving European policy objectives? How can industrial policies be shaped in a way that supports a just transition, including accelerated decarbonisation, workers’ rights and an enhanced quality of life and environment for all? What should be the EU’s goals and vision for trade, in coherence with its industrial policy and just transition?
Professor Maria João Rodrigues, President of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), participated in this conference which had a joint organization by FEPS and the Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung (FES), in collaboration with the S&D Group in the European Parliament, PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), IndustriAll Europe, and SOLIDAR.