On 13 February, Ceemet took part in the European Commission’s strategic dialogue on the future of the automotive industry, focusing on skills and social affairs. Organised by Executive Vice-President Roxana Minzatu, the meeting brought together key stakeholders, including European employers and trade unions, to address the pressing challenges faced by the sector.
As the automotive industry undergoes a profound transformation driven by electrification, digitalisation, and green technologies, the need for a highly skilled workforce has never been more urgent. Ceemet stressed that the manufacturing industry, including the automotive sector, remains a vital pillar of Europe’s economy and industrial competitiveness.
Investing in skills for a competitive automotive industry
Ceemet welcomed the Commission’s focus on skills with initiatives such as The Union of Skills. In line with the Draghi report, competitiveness today depends more on knowledge and skills than ever before.
To ensure that workers are equipped for the twin transition—digital and green— in the automotive industry, Ceemet called for:
- Greater investment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education from an early age to boost the talent pool in Europe,
- Stronger vocational education and training (VET) systems to address the shortage of skilled workers in key industrial sectors,
- Flexible and industry-relevant lifelong learning policies to help workers remain employable and transition into new roles,
- Support for SMEs in developing training initiatives tailored to emerging industry needs.
A collaborative approach to job transitions
Structural shifts in the automotive sector, particularly the move from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, require well-designed job-to-job transition measures. Ceemet emphasised the importance of involving social partners in these transitions to ensure workers can smoothly shift into new roles within or beyond the sector. Effective job transition policies will keep workers in the labour market and address labour shortages, as well as foster partnerships between industries in the era of talent war.
A balanced approach to regulation
Ceemet also underscored the need for a stable regulatory framework that supports innovation and job creation. Policies should focus on fostering best practices and ensuring regulatory stability for businesses to thrive. A focus on ensuring proper implementation of the existing legislation is also key.
”The strategic dialogue reinforced the necessity of continued collaboration between industry, policymakers, and social partners to protect and develop Europe’s automotive workforce. Ceemet remains committed to working with all stakeholders to drive forward policies that secure quality jobs and maintain Europe’s industrial strength,” says Ceemet Director General Delphine Rudelli.
For more insights on employment in the automotive sector, read the latest Eurofound report, to which Ceemet has contributed.