President Ursula von der Leyen will hold the third Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry on 12 September 2025. The dialogue will once again gather the European automotive industry, social partners and other key stakeholders in Brussels. It continues the Commissions commitment to safeguard the future of a sector that is vital to European prosperity and ensuring its long-term competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience, while delivering on our shared goal of climate neutrality.
The Strategic Dialogue was launched by President von der Leyen in January 2025 as a response to profound changes in the automotive sector. The European Automotive Industry faces a rapidly changing business environment marked by new technologies and increased competition. At the same time, the sector needs to navigate the volatile geopolitical context, creating additional uncertainty.
This weeks third Strategic Dialogue is a timely opportunity to give clear orientation on Europes position in this new geopolitical context. It presents an opportunity to discuss strategic questions thrown into sharper relief by the changing global situation, including how Europe can achieve leadership in electric vehicles, and how to accelerate innovation in autonomous and connected vehicles, for example through deeper European industry collaboration. Building a competitive European batteries manufacturing base is another key discussion point. The Dialogue is also an opportunity to give input into further initiatives the European Commission is preparing, such as the review of the Regulation on the CO2 emission performance standards of cars and vans, the proposal on corporate fleets and regulatory simplification.
On 30 January 2025, the Commission presented the Automotive Industrial Action Plan, which builds on the Strategic Dialogue, and outlines concrete actions that will ensure a robust and sustainable automotive sector and help unleash its innovative power. The upcoming Strategic Dialogue is also expected to take stock of the ongoing implementation of the Action Plan and progress made so far in putting in place the support for a thriving European automotive industry and a successful clean mobility transition. Further information can be found in the annexed Concept Note that will guide the discussions in the Strategic Dialogue.
Background
The automotive industry, a cornerstone of the European economy, employs over 13 million people (direct and indirect jobs) and contributes approximately 7% to the EUs GDP. However, this critical industry is facing a period of significant transformation, driven by digitalisation, decarbonisation, increased competition, and a changing geopolitical landscape.
These factors are challenging the established strengths of European carmakers. To ensure the industrys future competitiveness, the European Commission launched a Strategic Dialogue in January 2025. Previous dialogues with President von der Leyen took place on 30 January 2025 and on 3 March 2025.
As part of an inclusive and collaborative process, the Commission has since January 2025 also organised several working groups with stakeholders from the automotive sector value chain, led by Commissioners Šefčovič, Hoekstra, Séjourné, Virkkunen, Mînzatu and Tzitzikostas. The Council and European Parliament are regularly informed and consulted on the Dialogues.
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