EU economy ministers discuss the future of European industrial policy

16 July 2018

Informal meeting of competitiveness ministers takes place in Vienna under the motto “Rethinking European Industry” with focus on innovation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence and professional education.

Threefold approach for a new industrial policy

Following on from the work of the preceding Estonian and Bulgarian presidencies, the Austrian Presidency wishes to make a significant contribution to a European industrial strategy post 2030. In order to raise awareness of a new – innovative and digital – industrial policy, the ministers attending the meeting in Vienna agreed on a threefold approach:

Concrete measures during the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU

The informal meeting of competitiveness ministers brought together not only representatives from the 28 EU member states, but also from Switzerland, Norway, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions as well as business representatives. The discussions and results of the meeting will form the basis of a presidency paper on the future vision for a new industrial policy. The Austrian Presidency is also planning concrete progress at EU level, such as proposals for a monitoring mechanism for the implementation of European industrial policy as well as for effective governance structures. The objective is to develop a long-term vision for a strong and successful joint industrial policy as a legacy for the future EU Commission.

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