Europe is ready for dialogue with the automotive world

Announced towards the end of 2024 by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the strategic dialogue between Europe and the Old Continent's automotive industry will open on 30 January 2025. A first appointment in which the two parties will be able to confront each other, in order to initiate concrete actions to support a sector defined as 'vital for European prosperity' that is going through a period of crisis.

With Chinese manufacturers getting tougher, prices rising, electrification failing to take off, 2035 fast approaching and new emissions regulations - with billions of dollars in fines - from 2025, the issues on the table will be many.

Open doors

According to the Commission, "The strategic dialogue will be chaired by President von der Leyen and will consist of regular meetings bringing together representatives of industry (manufacturers, suppliers), social partners, Commissioners and other stakeholders, including civil society. Working groups will be set up in thematic areas with the aim of developing detailed proposals to tackle the crisis.

Numerous topics will be at the centre of discussions, from innovation to energy transition, via decarbonisation, competitiveness, trade relations and regulatory streamlining. 

Where will it come down to?

Of course, it is still too early to know if and how the European Commission and the automotive world will reach new agreements to overcome the current differences. First and foremost, there is the issue of phasing out internal combustion engines from 2035 in favour of electric mobility. Many EU countries (including Italy) have long demanded that the discussions on the petrol and diesel ban - scheduled for 2026 - be brought forward to this year.

A possibility that has been repeatedly rejected by the European Commission, the meetings called for by von der Leyen could lead to a rapprochement.

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