The European Commission will launch a "strategic dialogue" in January to discuss the future of the automotive industry in Europe, the institution announced on Thursday.
The European automotive industry is currently facing a crisis due to the challenges of electrification and stagnant demand. Volkswagen, for instance, has had to close several factories in Germany and in Forest, Brussels.
The dialogue will involve industry stakeholders, trade unions, and professional associations. It aims to propose and implement urgent measures needed by the sector, according to the Commission.
Topics to be discussed include innovation and the use of artificial intelligence, sector decarbonisation, employment, and demand.
The strategic dialogue method was recently used in the agriculture sector following major protests in 2024. It resulted in a list of recommendations, some of which have been turned into legislative proposals.
"The automotive industry is a European pride and crucial for Europe’s prosperity. It drives innovation, supports millions of jobs, and is the leading private investor in research and development," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a statement.
"We must support this industry through the profound and disruptive transition ahead and ensure that the future of automobiles remains firmly rooted in Europe."
