The Alliance for a Competitive European Industry (ACEI) welcomes the adoption today of the European Commission communication “An Industrial Policy for the Globalisation Era – Putting Competitiveness and Sustainability at Centre Stage”. The Alliance sees in the document the recognition of the major role that manufacturing industries play in the European economy.

Last spring, when launching its manifesto the ACEI called for an EU industrial partnership as a new approach to address the challenges that Europe is facing. It is only by reconciling industry and policy makers that we can successfully create the smart, sustainable and inclusive society that is at the heart of a new industrial policy. The proposed flagship initiative launched today is a decisive step towards that partnership. It will only make a difference if it is implemented in a coordinated approach of the EU institutions, member states and business.

“Vice President Tajani has set the grounds for a truly integrated industrial policy. To achieve results, the industrial competitiveness dimension needs to be included in all EU policies”, says Teresa Presas, Chairman of the ACEI.

Europe is witnessing some recovery from the crisis that has affected all areas of activity over the last two years. Evidence shows that the key driver for that recovery is industrial output and its export capacity. “To be competitive, Europe must actively support open and fair global markets for EU industry. It has to create a hotbed for industrial innovation and job creation in Europe”, adds Philippe de Buck, co-chairman of the Alliance.

In particular, European trade policy needs to be coherent with industrial policy and support the European manufacturing base as well.

The Alliance also welcomes the sectoral perspective taken in the new industrial policy. Although the industrial chain works as a whole and is driven by some common policies such as the Internal Market and free trade, its different links require specific considerations in terms of technology, skills, innovation.

The manufacturing sector looks forward to the implementation of the “competitiveness proofing” as a key tool to reconcile competitiveness and sustainability and support the pledge by industry to remain in Europe.

About us
The Alliance regroups European automotive, chemicals, cement, pulp and paper, food and drink, textile and apparel, electricity, iron and steel, non-ferrous metals, oil refining and engineering industries, and BUSINESSEUROPE. Its objective is to promote the competitiveness of European industry on a global scale. Altogether, the sector members of the Alliance employ 23 million people, generating €5 trillion yearly, and contributing with €1.3 trillion added value to the EU GDP.