Today, Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas met with representatives of the Automotive Regions Alliance for a high-level discussion on the future of Europe’s automotive sector. The meeting brought together regional leaders to address the challenges and opportunities facing the sector in the transition to a sustainable and competitive future.
In his opening remarks, Commissioner Tzitzikostas underscored the importance of engaging with regions and industry stakeholders in shaping the future of Europe’s automotive sector: “You are the closest to people, workers, and businesses—they will feel the impact of this transition the most. This is why I am here today. I wanted to come to you before making a proposal—because I value your opinion and want to hear the voice of the Committee of the Regions. The automotive industry is at a crossroads, facing high energy prices, labour and raw material shortages, intense global competition, and geopolitical tensions. People’s livelihoods are on the line. The Commission will not just stand by and watch. We will step up and act now, engaging with the automotive industry to build a common vision for the future. Our goal is clear: We want to ensure that European cars continue to be made in Europe, by European workers, for European citizens.”
Sari Rautio, President of the EPP-CoR Group, emphasized that many regions have already launched strategic dialogues to manage the transition: “Many of Europe’s regions have already started strategic dialogues between industry, social partners, public authorities, and local stakeholders to develop integrated territorial strategies. Their goal is to secure the long-term attractiveness and prosperity of their regions. The Committee of the Regions is committed to supporting Europe’s regions through this transformation. Our Automotive Regions Alliance is a longstanding and reliable partner of the European Commission, ready to facilitate this dialogue with concrete ideas.”
She outlined three key priorities for ensuring a successful transition:
- The Automotive Action Plan should establish a formal mechanism for engagement, including an annual high-level debate between the European Commission and automotive regions.
- The plan must include a strong competitiveness and innovation component to support the industry’s transition.
- A regional dimension is crucial, recognizing the role of the Automotive Regions Alliance in shaping and implementing this transformation.
Alberto Cirio, President of Piemonte, stressed the need for dedicated EU funding to support the transition: “Policy is key, but without funding, we cannot implement the necessary measures. This moment is as critical as the period following the pandemic. In my region, one-third of the population works in the automotive sector. This crisis is not just a challenge for individual regions—it affects multiple regions across Europe. Regions should not be forced to use Cohesion Funds to address this crisis. These funds are already allocated for long-term regional development and cannot be the only solution. I ask you to recognize that this is a unique and serious situation. We need specific, dedicated support from the European Union to ensure that this transition does not come at the cost of jobs and regional competitiveness.”
Thomas Schmidt, Saxony's Minister of State for Regional Development, welcomed the strategic dialogue with the European Commission and called for clear support measures: “In view of the worrying developments in the industry, the strategic dialogue on the future of the automotive industry was long overdue. I am looking forward to the results. Saxony and the Automotive Alliance took part in the consultation in order to give the regions a voice. When it comes to implementing the hopefully concrete recommendations at the end of the strategic dialogue, the Commission should involve the regions - also via the automotive groups in the CoR."
Uwe Konradt, Mayor of Saarbrücken highlighted the regional impact of the automotive sector: “In Saarbrücken alone, 10,000 people work in the automotive industry. Across our network of 17 mayors representing automotive regions, we see firsthand how crucial this sector is for jobs and prosperity. Our main concern is the potential loss of jobs—this transition needs to be managed carefully to protect workers and communities.”
Raquel Aguado Muñoz, Director General for Representation to the European Union and the Spanish Autonomous Regions, highlighted the region of Valencia proactive approach to the transition and called for comprehensive EU support: “We are working closely with the sector, through a commission that gathers the employers, the unions, together with the regional ministers involved in the sector transition, working hand to hand with them, monitoring the sector and implementing solutions in an agile manner. As a result, we have already approved assistance measures for electric vehicles, for purchasing machinery for a more sustainable amd energetic efficiency for example, and working to ensure that workers are protected and reskilled for the future. However, this transition requires more than just financial support. We need a clear path forward and strong EU coordination, including global action to ensure Europe’s competitiveness. Our regions are committed to making this transition a success, but we cannot do it alone.
Strengthening EU-Regional Cooperation for a Just Transition
This high-level meeting marked an important step in strengthening cooperation between the European Commission and the CoR's automotive regions alliance. The discussions reinforced the need for a robust EU strategy that prioritizes competitiveness, skills investment, and direct engagement with affected regions to ensure that the transition is economically sustainable and socially just.
About the Automotive Regions Alliance
The Automotive Regions Alliance is a network of European regions committed to ensuring a fair and competitive transition for the automotive and supply industries. It serves as a platform for exchanging best practices, engaging with EU institutions, and developing regional strategies to navigate the challenges of the industry’s transformation.