Ladies and gentlemen,
We have just adopted an Industrial Action Plan for the Automotive Sector. It aims to keep Europes carmakers, suppliers, and related service sectors innovative and competitive, firmly rooted in Europe.
The automotive industry today contributes 7% to the EU GDP and employs around 13.8 million people. However, it faces threats like supply chain risks, energy costs, and over-reliance on imports. Our companies are lagging in key technologies like batteries and autonomous driving.
Before drafting this plan, I engaged extensively with the industry, understanding their concerns and proposals. Today marks an important beginning with flagship initiatives across five areas: Innovation, Clean Mobility, Competitiveness, Skills, and a Level Playing Field.
We have secured financing to turn ambitions into reality, including 50 billion euros under InvestEU for clean tech and 1.8 billion euros from the Innovation Fund for battery manufacturing. Additional funding will support skills development and SMEs.
For innovation, we aim to regain leadership in AI-powered, connected vehicles. Legislation will align with advancements, and we will harmonize EU laws to ensure all cars have automated parking systems by 2025.
Regarding Clean Mobility, Europes emission standards provide certainty for investors. We will allow companies three years to comply with targets, and legislative reviews will be advanced.
Competitiveness requires a European battery supply chain, with finance and content requirements for batteries. A Critical Raw Materials Centre will support this from 2026.
We also address the social dimension, ensuring workers are equipped for the digital future. A European Fair Transition Observatory will monitor employment trends, and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund will support restructuring companies.
Finally, we aim to maintain a level playing field internationally, pursuing Free Trade Agreements and partnerships. These actions will ensure future vehicles are not only made in Europe but also innovated and powered by European technology and values.
We will de-risk value chains, balance certainty with realism, and enhance political and economic support. Together, we can secure a future for Europes automotive industry as impressive as its past.
Thank you.