Tomorrow, 5 February, industrial unions across Europe gather in Brussels to call for a proactive European industrial policy based on investment, solidarity, quality jobs, and innovation. Ceemet, representing Europe’s metal, engineering, and technology (MET) industries, fully supports the need for a strong industrial policy but urges European policymakers to pick a path that will contribute to this common mission: an approach that enables companies to invest, grow, and innovate in the EU.
A strong industrial policy needs the right regulatory framework
Ceemet agrees that a strong European industrial policy is essential to prevent deindustrialisation. However, achieving this requires an environment that allows companies to thrive rather than burdening them with five more years of excessive regulation. “Europe’s industry needs a better regulation framework to deliver for European companies and their workers, and eventually for European citizens,” said Delphine Rudelli, Ceemet Director General.
Better regulation means only acting at the EU level when necessary, improving impact assessments, and phasing out outdated and repetitive legislation before adding another one to the long list of unnecessary legislation. The EU must respect national labour market differences, apply the ‘think small first’ principle for SMEs, and promote best practices rather than imposing rigid, prescriptive legislation. Companies need flexibility to adapt to market realities, not more constraints. That has been the case anywhere in the world where industries have been successful over the past decades.
Positive steps from the Commission, but risks of overregulation in social policy
Ceemet welcomes the European Commission’s recent initiatives and the consultations undertaken ahead of them, including the Competitiveness Compass, the Omnibus Initiative, and upcoming measures to address skills shortages, such as the Union of Skills. These are positive signals that reindustrialisation is being taken seriously.
However, despite progress on industrial policy, Ceemet is deeply concerned about recent developments in the European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) Committee. The draft resolution adopted on 28 January calls for multiple new binding directives on employment and restructuring processes, including limits on subcontracting.
“These proposals risk the very core functioning of European industries, particularly SMEs,” warns Delphine Rudelli. Subcontracting and temporary agencies play a vital role in MET industries by providing flexibility and connecting companies with skilled workers, including third-country nationals. Restricting these practices would not only kill the remaining competitiveness hopes but also destroy most of our industries.
Ultimately, we have one objective: a strong, innovative European industry that provides quality jobs and competes on a global scale. However, achieving this requires a policy framework that enables industries to succeed, as they are the backbone of our economies.
You can download the press release below.
About Ceemet Ceemet represents Europe’s metal, engineering, and technology-based industry employers, covering sectors such as metal goods, mechanical engineering, electronics, ICT, and vehicle and transport manufacturing. Member organisations represent 200,000 European companies, providing over 16 million direct and 35 million indirect jobs. Ceemet is a recognised European social partner at the industrial sector level, promoting global competitiveness for European industry through consultation and social dialogue. For media inquiries, please contact: Viktorya Muradyan, CEEMET Public Affairs and Public Relations Manager, at viktorya.muradyan@ceemet.org. |