The Socialists and Democrats today led a cross-party majority on a new EU industrial strategy to support the recovery of the European economy, badly hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic. The resolution adopted today and drafted by S&D MEP Carlo Calenda, sets out proposals ensuring that the green and digital transitions are fair and socially just, including for instance re-skilling programmes for workers and supporting the creation of high-quality jobs.

Dan Nica MEP, S&D spokesman on industry, said:

“We welcome President Von der Leyen’s announcement of an update for the Industrial Strategy. Covid-19 profoundly changed our economics and dramatically impacted workers and industrial systems. We insist that the new European Industrial Policy must contribute to a more competitive and resilient industry in the face of global shocks, supporting the re-integration of chains inside the EU and increasing European strategic production such as medical and pharmaceutical products, medical devices, equipment and materials. Research and innovation, and digitalisation of European industry should be a priority in order to be prepared to face future global challenges.”

Carlo Calenda MEP, author of the report on Industrial Strategy, said:

“We worked on this dossier for more than a year with great passion and determination, adopting an inclusive approach from the very beginning. I am glad about this result, which shows the European Parliament strongly supports the timely arrival of an EU industrial strategy that has been missing for too long. This dossier intends to provide specific measures aiming at strengthening European industry by ensuring we have the practical tools for a fast recovery and to properly manage the internal and external challenges connected with the twin green and digital transitions.

“To mention just a few examples, we want immediate support for the recapitalisation of enterprises, especially SMEs, in order to ensure the integration and functioning of the single market. We also ask for a balanced review of state aid regulations to promote investments in the digital and green transitions, and a revision of competition rules to foster the global competitiveness of the EU’s industries. Moreover, we need measures to promote reciprocity in market access with third countries and to ensure fair conditions for international competition while defending strategic industrial value chains. We also need social measures to manage the risks associated with the twin transitions as regards labour market and regional cohesion, focusing on investments in human capital, job creation and ending gender disparities.”

Note to editors:

The S&D Group has already adopted a position paper on the long-term industrial strategy of the EU. See the full document here.

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