The New Commission: Key Impacts on the Manufacturing Sector
Image Source: https://commission.europa.eu/
The European Commission (EC), lead by Ursula Von der Leyen, gears up to shape policies for the next years. In the mission letters of the new EC, the EU outlines measures aimed at reducing administrative burdens, ensuring a smooth green transition, and fostering innovation, particularly within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
One of the key objectives outlined in the mission letters is the reduction of red tape that hampers businesses. The EU acknowledges the excessive administrative burdens faced by key sectors, such as manufacturing, which can stifle growth and innovation. In addition, the new EC will be tasked with streamlining regulations to make it easier for companies, particularly SMEs, to operate in EU. By cutting unnecessary red tape, sectors like the machine tools industry, can focus on increasing production efficiency, developing new technologies, and expanding their operations across borders.
Another central theme for the new EC is Europe’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The EC recognizes that while the shift to greener practices is essential, it must be managed carefully to avoid destabilizing industries that are the backbone of Europe’s economy.
CECIMO believes that the new approach should avoid imposing one-size-fits-all regulations, and adapt policies to the specific needs of industries, making sure that the transition is gradual and economically viable.
Moreover, the EU has pledged to continue investing in research and development (R&D) to drive the adoption of clean technologies. For the manufacturing industry, this opens up opportunities to innovate in areas such as energy-efficient machinery and digital solutions that enhance productivity.
Finally, as the EU seeks to lead in advanced manufacturing technologies, CECIMO believes that the EU should also increase in funding for innovation and development of new public private partnerships as a vital step forward. These funds will allow particularly SMEs based industries such as the machine tools sector, to scale up their innovations, bring new products to market, and remain competitive in the face of global challenges.