Brussels, 16.07.2025

Marcin Nowacki, Vice President of the ZPP has been elected President of the EESC’s TEN Section

Role of the EESC

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is a key advisory body within the European Union composed of three groups: Employers (Group I), Workers (Group II) and Civil Society Organisations (Group III). Its primary role is to provide informed opinions on EU policies and legislation to the European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament. In doing so, the EESC facilitates dialogue between EU institutions and organised civil society ensuring that citizens’ perspectives are reflected in decision-making.

Regularly consulted by EU institutions, the EESC also has the authority to issue opinions independently offering balanced and representative views on economic and social matters across Europe. In 2024, the Committee achieved a significant milestone by establishing enhanced cooperation with the European Parliament enabling EESC rapporteurs to work directly with parliamentary committees.

EESC Section TEN: Shaping Strategic Policies for Europe’s Transport, Energy and Digital Infrastructure

Among the EESC’s six specialised sections, the Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and Information Society (TEN) section focuses on key areas essential to Europe’s growth and resilience. It provides expert advice on policies relating to transport, energy, digital infrastructure and broader technological innovation, all central to achieving the EU’s goals of sustainable development and strategic autonomy.

Section TEN plays a vital role in shaping legislation that enhances industrial competitiveness and innovation, while contributing significantly to discussions on the EU’s 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. As Europe advances its energy and digital transitions, TEN serves as an important platform for stakeholders to collaborate and help shape the future of the European economy.

Section TEN and Interinstitutional Collaboration

From a business standpoint, Section TEN serves as a key platform to engage closely with important European Parliament committees, such as TRAN (Transport), ITRE (Industry, Research and Energy), IMCO (Internal Market and Consumer Protection) and REGI (Regional Development), as well as relevant departments within the European Commission, including DG MOVE, DG ENER, DG CNECT and DG GROW.

This close cooperation helps ensure that industry views are considered early on, supporting a regulatory environment that promotes innovation, ensures energy security, improves infrastructure and boosts connectivity. For businesses, this means having a stronger voice in shaping policies that improve market access, enhance predictability, and create better conditions for growth and competitiveness across borders.

See more: Marcin Nowacki, Vice President of the ZPP has been elected President of the EESC’s TEN Section

On May 27, 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Tokyo hosted the conference “Polish-Japanese Cooperation in the Reconstruction of Ukraine,” organized as part of Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The event brought together representatives from the business sector, public administration, and international organizations from Poland, Japan, and Ukraine to discuss the potential for strategic Polish-Japanese cooperation in Ukraine’s reconstruction.

The conference was officially opened by:

• Tomasz Gwozdowski, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Poland
• Oleksandr Semeniuk, Charge d’affaire of Ukraine to Japan, Embassy of Ukraine to Japan
• Michael Siebert, Managing Director for Russia, Eastern Partnership, Central Asia, Regional Cooperation and OSCE – European External Action Service
• HIBINO Takashi, Senior Director, Office for Ukraine Crisis Response, Recovery and Reconstruction, JICA
• Alan Beroud, UIC Chairman, CEO PKP GROUP
• Hiroya Tanaka, Attorney, Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (PCCIJ)
• Marcin Nowacki, Vice President, Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP)

The conference featured two panel discussions with leading experts:

Panel I – Panel 1: Poland-Japan strategic partnership in the context of Ukraine reconstruction

• Luiz Hanania, CEO, VEOLIA ENERGY POLAND
• Koki Hino, Executive Advisor, PADECO Co., LTD
• Shigeru Kono, Advisor for business promotion in Ukraine, JETRO

The discussion was moderated by Michał Koczalski, CEO, CEC GROUP.

Panel II – Financing and Investment Opportunities for Japanese and Polish Companies,” featuring:

• Ben Akabayashi, Director General, Japan Bank for International Cooperation
• Shogo Eguchi, Partner, Nishimura & Asahi
• Marcin Nowacki, Vice President, ZPP

The discussion was moderated by Fabian Elżanowski, Partner, ELŻANOWSKI & PARTNERS.

Throughout the conference, experts and business leaders exchanged insights, discussed concrete projects, and explored potential areas of cooperation aimed at leveraging the strengths and resources of both Poland and Japan. The event marked an important milestone in strengthening economic ties between Poland and Japan, especially as Japanese companies increasingly turn their attention to the Central and Eastern European market. Poland is emerging as a key partner, offering valuable market knowledge about Ukraine and serving as a strategic partner for the implementation of joint projects using Japanese technology and capital.

The conference was held under the honorary patronage of Paweł Kowal, Chairman of the Council for Cooperation with Ukraine.

👥 Organizers:

 Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP)

• Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Tokyo

🤝 Partners:

• Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
• Japan Business Federation (Keidanren)
• Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
• Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (PCCIJ)

See the photo report from the event.

 

13/05/2025

PRESS RELEASE: Growing the Future: Sustainable Agriculture in Europe

On Tuesday, 13 May 2025, SME Connect co-organised together with the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP) a working breakfast titled “Growing the Future: Sustainable Agriculture in Europe”, hosted by Herbert Dorfmann MEP, in the European Parliament, in Brussels. 

The discussion brought together experts including HERBERT DORFMANN MEP, Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development; SME Connect Board Member; CARMEN CRESPO DIAZ MEP, Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development; GIJS SCHILTHUIS, Deputy Director-General, in charge of Directorates B, C, and D, Sustainability (AGRI.B) at the European Commission; CHRISTIAN HOLZLEITNER, Head of Unit, Land Economy and Carbon Removals, DG CLIMA at the European Commission; MARCIN SOKOŁOWSKI, Quality Assurance & Sustainability Raw Material Manager, OSI Food Solutions Poland; HUGO JANSEN, Sustainability Director at Cargill; ANNA BORYS, Senior Director of Government Relations Europe at McDonald’s; JAKUB BINKOWSKI, Board Member at Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP); SEYIDE DIREK, Policy Analyst at the European Enterprise Alliance (EEA); PAUL RÜBIG, President of SME Connect, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee, Member of the European Parliament 1996-2019; and HORST HEITZ, Chair of the Steering Committee of SME Connect. 

The discussion was moderated by AGATA BOUTANOS, Director of the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers Brussels Office.

In his opening words, HERBERT DORFMANN MEP highlighted the renewed political importance of agriculture in Europe, driven by the growing recognition that food security cannot be taken for granted. He noted that Europe has become a global leader in agri-food exports, contrasting this success with outdated protectionist views. Dorfmann stressed the need to address sustainability realistically, acknowledging that challenges like climate change and resource scarcity persist and must be tackled with smarter approaches rather than denial. He warned against overproduction, advocating instead for balanced markets and a stronger focus on farm profitability. Many farmers, he argued, are unable to invest in their future, which threatens the sector’s viability. He also pointed to the unfair distribution of profits along the food value chain, where farmers receive a disproportionately small share. Finally, he underlined the urgent need to attract younger generations to farming by making the sector more innovative, profitable, and future-oriented.

CARMEN CRESPO DÍAZ MEP emphasised that agriculture is more than just an economic activity—it is a way of life and a pillar of Europe’s identity. She called for the agricultural sector to be fully integrated into EU security and financial policies, with a growing and adequate budget in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework. Reflecting on the rapid rollout of the Green Deal, she acknowledged its necessity but criticised its rushed implementation, which left farmers with little time or resources to adapt. Crespo stressed the importance of simplifying policies and promoting sustainability through circular economy initiatives, such as reusing agricultural waste to generate revenue. She advocated for stronger investment—particularly through the second CAP pillar and the European Investment Bank—in innovation, bio-solutions, water technologies, and cohesion funds to boost rural employment and attract youth to the sector. Finally, she urged for fair trade based on reciprocity and called for certainty, modernisation, and a comprehensive approach to preserve agriculture as the economic and social backbone of rural Europe.

Moving on to the strategic perspectives, GIJS SCHILTHUIS outlined the European Commission’s current vision for agriculture and food, highlighting the need to strike a balance between social, economic, and environmental sustainability—ultimately a political endeavor requiring ongoing dialogue with stakeholders. He described the vision as intentionally “vague” to allow space for input and consensus-building among farmers, NGOs, agribusinesses, and member states. He stressed the urgent need to make the agricultural sector more attractive, especially for younger generations, noting that efforts on generational renewal have not yet delivered results. Improving profitability, market functioning, and access to training and finance are essential. Competitiveness must also be strengthened through investment, particularly with support from the European Investment Bank and financial instruments under the CAP. Schilthuis highlighted the importance of reducing administrative burdens through the upcoming CAP simplification package, aiming for pragmatic adjustments without derailing the policy. Environmental sustainability remains central to the Commission’s approach, with ongoing work on climate resilience and water strategies. Lastly, he emphasised the need for a robust rural policy to support economic activity and farming across all regions of the EU, recognizing the strategic role of agriculture not just in food security but in maintaining vibrant rural communities.

CHRISTIAN HOLZLEITNER stated that the core goal of EU climate policy is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, which means drastically reducing emissions while also removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. While agriculture will always produce some emissions due to food production, it also has the unique ability to capture and store carbon in soils, forests, and bio-based products. This dual role positions the bioeconomy as central to a climate-neutral future. He highlighted the potential of biogas, precision farming, agro-photovoltaics, and bio-based materials in contributing to this transition. By developing climate-smart farming practices and sustainable land use, agriculture can deliver both climate benefits and economic opportunities. To support this, the Commission is developing a certification framework to quantify the climate benefits of practices like rewetting peatlands, planting trees, and agroforestry. This will help attract investment and make it easier for farmers to secure financing. Holzleitner stressed the need to build a functioning carbon market for ecosystem services, where value chains, financial institutions, and other sectors can invest in carbon credits. This would both support farmers and promote climate resilience, creating a strong economic incentive for sustainable land use. The ultimate aim is to make the bioeconomy a growth sector that boosts competitiveness while strengthening the role of farmers in the value chain.

MARCIN SOKOŁOWSKI, representing OSI Food Solutions Poland, shared practical insights from the beef industry on advancing sustainability in agriculture. He highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to sustainable farming, including the development of its own certification system since 2015, which now includes 35,000 farmers—mostly small, family-run cattle farms. Based on this experience, he emphasised the urgent need for better education and knowledge sharing about sustainable agriculture, both among farmers and the wider public, many of whom are unaware of where food comes from or the importance of local production. He also underlined the value of aligning agricultural subsidies with concrete environmental outcomes. Poland has already introduced payments for carbon farming under the CAP, rewarding farmers for implementing practices that reduce or sequester emissions—an approach he believes should become standard EU-wide. Finally, Sokołowski raised serious concerns about the looming implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). He warned that the beef sector across Europe is unprepared for the new requirements, risking severe disruption to supply chains and economic hardship for farmers if they cannot sell their livestock. 

HUGO JANSEN highlighted that long-term partnerships are central to building resilient and sustainable poultry supply chains. His company has worked with most of its chicken suppliers for over 30 years, offering farmers stability, visibility, and confidence to invest and innovate. This collaborative model, based on contracts, best practices, and continuous improvement, supports both economic and environmental goals. He highlighted two key areas of focus: animal welfare and regenerative agriculture. On welfare, his company collects data on 15 indicators for every flock and is now sharing insights with the European Partnership for Animal Health and Welfare to help identify what drives good outcomes. In regenerative agriculture, farmers supplying feed grains have been trained in sustainable practices like cover cropping and no-till farming, which enhance soil health and water retention—crucial in regions like central Poland facing water scarcity. Jansen called for policymakers to support data-driven, farmer-led innovation rather than impose rigid rules, stressing that successful, sustainable farming benefits both the sector and society at large.

ANNA BORYS pointed out McDonald’s strong commitment to resilient and profitable supply chains in Europe, driven by the scale of its operations—6,500 restaurants serving 11 million customers daily, with 95% of key products sourced within the EU. She underlined the importance of fast, stable, and climate-adapted supply chains, built through close collaboration with suppliers and farmers. She shared examples of McDonald’s support for regenerative agriculture across several countries, including agroforestry in France, a €4.4 million sustainability program in Ireland, and data-driven farming practices in Finland. McDonald’s role, she noted, is to bring scale and a platform for collaboration, but highlighted that innovation also needs strong consistent policy support to succeed. She concluded by stressing the importance of continued dialogue and the inclusion of real-world data and expertise in shaping effective agricultural policy.

JAKUB BINKOWSKI spoke about three key objectives crucial for the future of the agri-food industry in Europe. Firstly, he highlighted the demographic challenge, noting the aging population in both the sector and society at large, which presents a significant barrier to growth and development. Secondly, he stressed the need to balance sustainability with economic viability, arguing that these two goals need not be mutually exclusive. Cooperation with large companies, he suggested, can provide farmers with valuable knowledge and stable long-term contracts, enabling more sustainable production. Lastly, Binkowski addressed the development of rural areas, pointing out that many people in Poland and across Europe rely on agri-food production for their livelihoods. He concluded by underscoring the importance of integrating these objectives into EU policy to foster social cohesion and strengthen rural economies, while creating new opportunities for the sector.

SEYIDE DIREK highlighted the strategic importance of Europe’s agri-food sector, which supports over 30 million jobs and contributes more than €450 billion annually. However, the sector faces significant pressures, including market volatility, rising costs, regulatory challenges, and climate disruptions, particularly impacting SMEs and family farms. Direk emphasized the need for a rebalancing of policies to align sustainability goals with economic feasibility, ensuring adequate investment and fair competition. She called for modernisation of rural infrastructure and a focus on addressing labour shortages. Using Poland as a case study, she pointed out the challenges posed by small farms, limited resources, and administrative burdens. To enable Europe to lead in sustainable food systems, she stressed the need for better support, tools, and investment to strengthen resilience and ensure long-term success.

In his closing remarks, HORST HEITZ emphasised the complexity of the challenges facing farmers, who must balance economic viability, sustainability, and food security, all while remaining affordable. He stressed the importance of supporting farmers, as they are vital to regional culture and food security. He pointed out the need for reforms, investments, and societal contributions to help farmers modernise and thrive. He also highlighted the global dimension of food security, noting the impact of the war in Ukraine. While acknowledging the difficulties, he underscored the need for political solutions and collaboration, recognising that food and agriculture are highly political and central to daily life.

See the full Press Release: PRESS RELEASE | Growing the Future: Sustainable Agrifood in Europe

Brussels, 17 April 2025 

PRESS RELEASE: SMRs as a Key Contributor to the EU’s Energy Security: A Successful Event at the European Parliament

Brussels, 18.3.2025 – The European Parliament hosted a high-level event titled “Energy Security as a Pillar of the Security of States and the European Union: The Role of SMRs in Strengthening the Energy Security of the EU”, co-organized by ZPP (Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers) and SNETP (Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform), under the patronage of Polish MEPs and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. The event gathered around key policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, to discuss the strategic role of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in ensuring Europe’s energy security.

The event underscored Poland’s ambitious nuclear projects as key levers for decarbonizing its energy mix and industrial processes. It also highlighted how SMRs can provide electricity and heat while enhancing the EU’s energy resilience. The discussions reinforced the idea that nuclear energy, alongside renewables, is an essential component of the EU’s clean energy transition.

Among the key takeaways:

• Polish Government Commitment: Wojciech Wrochna, Secretary of State for Industry, emphasized the complementary role of large reactors and SMRs in securing stable and affordable energy. He called for a more flexible EU state aid framework for nuclear projects and accelerated licensing procedures.
• Strong Political Support: Polish MEP Adam Jarubas (EPP) praised SMRs as a cost-effective solution enabling private sector investments.
• EU Institutional Backing: The European Commission representatives, Maive Rute (DG GROW) and Jan Panek (DG ENER), reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to technological neutrality and acknowledged the role of nuclear in reducing fossil fuel dependence. It was highlighted that demand for reliable low carbon energy is growing fast in Europe. The European Industrial Alliance for SMRs was highlighted as a key initiative to advance deployment.
• Industry and Research Perspectives: Speakers from Nucleareurope, OSGE, EDF’s Nuward, NCBJ projects, and other leading organizations showcased nuclear energy’s strategic advantages particularly when strongly supported by European industry and supply chain: energy independence, affordability, and job creation. They also stressed the importance of international cooperation across Europe to accelerate project implementation and ensure supply chain resilience.

The successful organization of this event by SNETP and ZPP demonstrated the growing momentum behind nuclear energy as a pillar of Europe’s energy security. As the EU accelerates its decarbonization efforts, nuclear—particularly SMRs—stands out as a reliable, innovative, and strategically important energy source for the continent’s future.

Wojciech Wrochna, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Industry and Government Plenipotentiary for Strategic Energy Infrastructure opened the discussion by emphasizing the role of nuclear energy in achieving the EU’s energy transition goals. He highlighted the necessity of aligning stakeholders, regulators, and policymakers to ensure effective support for nuclear power. Wrochna stressed that energy-intensive industries and emerging technologies, such as AI and data centers, require stable and clean energy sources, positioning SMRs as a crucial solution. He underlined the importance of creating a stable regulatory framework to attract investment and accelerate the deployment of nuclear projects.

Adam Jarubas, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the SANT Committee, underscored the challenges of achieving a low-carbon energy future and the need for a balanced energy mix. He highlighted that while renewable energy sources are essential, they alone cannot ensure energy security. Jarubas pointed to SMRs as a promising alternative, given their flexibility and feasibility for private investment. He noted that despite ongoing development, no SMR plants are operational in Europe yet, with three projects currently underway.

Maive Rute, Deputy Director-General of DG GROW, reaffirmed the European Commission’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable and clean energy future. She acknowledged the significant reduction of fossil fuel dependency and emphasized the need for further efforts in grid interconnection and infrastructure development. Rute stressed that energy security is not only an industrial priority but also a key economic and geopolitical concern. She highlighted ongoing EU initiatives, including the Clean Industrial Deal, which aims to align competitiveness with decarbonization.

Emmanuel Brutin, Director General at Nuclear Europe, emphasized the critical role of existing, new built and SMRs in securing Europe’s energy supply. He welcomed the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal and underscored the importance of ensuring a level playing field for nuclear energy. Brutin highlighted the financial challenges of nuclear projects, particularly the high capital costs, and called for targeted support mechanisms. He also stressed that lifetime extensions of existing nuclear power plants remain a cost-effective way to enhance energy security and maintain stable electricity prices.

Jakub Bińkowski, Member of the Board at the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP), addressed the urgency of resolving regulatory uncertainties surrounding SMRs. He emphasized the need for clear guidelines on investment timelines and implementation strategies. Bińkowski pointed out that creating an investor-friendly environment is crucial for accelerating the deployment of nuclear technologies. He urged policymakers to take decisive steps in ensuring SMRs become a viable part of Europe’s energy transition.

Bernard Salha, President of SNETP, provided an overview of the European nuclear sector’s challenges and opportunities. He highlighted the importance of reducing fossil fuel dependency and ensuring affordable, decarbonized electricity. Salha pointed out that electrification will grow significantly, with nuclear energy playing a vital role in supporting both electricity and industrial heat applications. He also underscored nuclear energy’s contribution to economic sovereignty, job creation, and research development across Europe.

Jan Panek, European Industrial Alliance on SMR, DG ENER, emphasized the critical role of political support from the European Parliament in advancing SMR deployment. He highlighted the strong backing received from the previous legislature and stressed the importance of maintaining this momentum with the new Parliament. Panekoutlined the Industrial Alliance’s project-based approach, noting that nine SMR projects have already been identified to drive deployment across the EU. He underscored the need for regulatory and financial enablers to ensure these projects reach commercialization by the early 2030s.

Jung Eun Kim, Vice President Samsung C&T, outlined that the support of the construction, procurement and engineering companies (EPC) is crucial for effective SMR projects deployment. Mr Jun Eun Kim outlined that Nuclear projects need EPC contractors who are capable of delivery on time and on budget. Mentioned by others, constructed by Samsung C&T Barakah NPP is the best example of proper delivery. Samsung C&T is technologically agnostic and has an ambition to deliver BWRX-300 units that are about to be deployed in Poland by OSGE. However, due to being agnostic in terms of technology, Samsung C&T is ready to be a part of any SMR and full-scale reactor, bringing the extensive experience obtained within Korean and Middle Eastern nuclear projects.

Rafał Kasprów, CEO of ORLEN Synthos Green Energy (OSGE), presented insights from the U.S. energy sector, highlighting a shift toward energy realism—prioritizing reliable baseload power. He mentioned that the industry in the USA has announced the beginning of a new era in energy. This important message, as news from the USA is always significant, resonated at the world’s largest industry conference, CERAWeek in Houston. This new era is called energy realism. The key remark from Mr. Kasprów was that in order to regain the competitiveness of European Union industry against the USA, within the areas such as data centers and AI, we need energy and we need base load. Energy in sufficient quantity and with appropriate quality of supply – 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, independent from the weather conditions. He outlined  that building a fleet of BWRX-300 reactors could be an excellent example of transatlantic cooperation. We have an American design, but we also have a very robust European supply chain. Turbines can come from France or Poland. We have factories in Poland that produce generators. In Spain, fuel that will be used in the BWRX-300 has been produced for several decades. Let’s not ask ‘what if’ about SMRs. This is proven technology. There are no doubts about safety or construction time. This is not a time for doubts, it’s a time for action. And the positive news is that we are already taking action.

Sandro Baldi, SMR Commercial Director at EDF – International Nuclear Development, outlined EDF’s NUWARD project, designed to replace coal-fired plants and provide energy-intensive industries with both electricity and heat. He highlighted the project’s modular approach, emphasizing simplicity, scalability, and prefabrication to ensure cost efficiency and faster deployment. Baldi also detailed ongoing collaboration between six European nuclear safety authorities to harmonize regulatory requirements and avoid unnecessary design modifications across different jurisdictions. He stressed that a strong European supply chain is key to ensuring energy security without external dependencies.

Józef Sobolewski, Director of HTR Development at NCBJ, introduced Poland’s HTGR-POLA reactor, a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor designed to provide heat for industrial applications. He highlighted that while traditional light-water reactors dominate the market, fourth-generation reactors like HTGR-POLA offer higher efficiency and enhanced safety features. Sobolewski emphasized that 50% of the intellectual property behind the reactor is Polish, positioning the country as a leader in advanced nuclear technology in the EU. He underscored the potential for nuclear heat to decarbonize hard-to-abate industries and reduce reliance on fossil fuels not only in the EU.

Abderrahim Al Mazouzi, General Secretariat at SNETP, delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the critical role of continued collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and technology providers to accelerate SMR deployment in Europe. 

Zobacz: PRESS RELEASE: SMRs as a Key Contributor to the EU’s Energy Security: A Successful Event at the European Parliament

Brussels, 10 April 2025 

Automotive Industry at a Crossroads – Europe Needs Support, Technological Neutrality and Data Access

On March 26, 2025, the European Parliament in Brussels hosted the event “Securing the Competitiveness of the EU Automotive Industry – Technological Neutrality and Data Access in the Driver’s Seat,” co-organised by the Association of Automotive Parts Distributors and Producers (SDCM), the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP), SME Europe, and SME Connect. The event was held under the patronage of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The event was hosted by Members of the European Parliament Elżbieta Łukacijewska and Kosma Złotowski.

Elżbieta Łukacijewska, European People’s Party, opened the discussion with her welcome speech, emphasising: “The European Commission’s Automotive Industrial Action Plan is a step in the right direction, but we must ensure that no part of the ecosystem is left behind. Fair access to vehicle data, future-proof type-approval rules, and strong support for remanufacturing are essential for Europe’s automotive industry. Independent service providers need legal certainty, and repairers must have access to the technical information they require. Remanufacturing should be incentivised to strengthen local industry and create skilled jobs. By working together, we can find solutions that benefit everyone.”

As indicated in the speech of Kosma Zlotowski, European Conservatists and Reformists Group, European Parliament (video recording):

„The future of the automotive industry in Europe is at risk, and the European Commission’s plan lacks the radical action needed to reverse the damage caused by previous decisions. We must acknowledge that the push for electrification, without regard for the costs, is a major factor in this crisis. The European automotive industry cannot be constrained by ideological goals; all technologies that reduce emissions must be taken seriously to remain competitive. The transformation of this sector must not ignore the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises, whose survival is critical for the entire ecosystem.”

In his keynote speech, Tomasz Bęben, President of SDCM, emphasized: “Without appropriate legislation ensuring data access and respect for technological neutrality, we risk stalling investment, losing jobs, and weakening the competitiveness of the European automotive industry. The European automotive sector has a lot to offer in order to sustain the mobility of millions of European citizens, but also to place Europe highly in the ranking of competitive markets worldwide. However, it needs smart regulatory environment that will foster the innovativeness and development of wide range of services, the reduction of unnecessary regulatory burden, but also the prioritise Europe as a location for investment and development of cutting-edge technologies”.

On the topic of technological neutrality, Benjamin Krieger, Secretary General of CLEPA, stated: “The EU must build a broad bridge to sustainable mobility, not a narrow path. True technology neutrality—embracing plug-in hybrids, hydrogen, and renewable fuels—is essential to preserving jobs and competitiveness today and beyond 2035. With Europe’s automotive supplier sector facing alarming challenges, including 54,000 announced job losses in 2024 alone, urgency is paramount. While CLEPA welcomes the Commission’s recently published Action Plan, key questions remain unanswered, and swift, concrete action is needed to secure a sustainable and competitive future.”

Mark Nicklas, Head of Unit, DG GROW, European Commission, emphasised the need for innovation in the automotive industry: “The European Commission’s Action Plan includes measures for advancing key technologies such as software-defined vehicles, next-generation batteries, and autonomous driving. However, regulatory barriers still hinder progress towards a single market for autonomous vehicles, and the Commission will take action to enable real-world testing and deployment across Europe. The action plan is necessary to avoid European manufacturers falling behind in global competition and to secure the industry’s future.”

Sylvia Gotzen, CEO of FIGIEFA, highlighted the importance of vehicle data access: “FIGIEFA welcomes the European Commission’s Action Plan recognition of the need to enable the full automotive ecosystem to benefit from data from connected vehicles. However, the approach outlined in the Plan falls short of delivering a concrete solution: while the Data Act is a positive step, it is not sufficient on its own. We urge the Commission to move forward with a legislative proposal on the already existing draft legislative proposal for access to in-vehicle data, functions and resources. Postponing action until the assessment of the Data Act is completed will severely hinder independent service providers’ ability to innovate and develop digital mobility services. Global competitors will not wait.”

Marcin Barankiewicz, Secretary General at EGEA also stressed the importance of the ability to use in-vehicle data by independent operators, as it allows them personalize solutions, improve customer experience, and drive economic growth.

The message from the event was clear – the European automotive industry is at a critical turning point. To remain competitive, the sector urgently needs real support: financial, regulatory, and technological. It is crucial to ensure technological neutrality and fair access to in-vehicle data, both of which are essential for maintaining innovation, sustainability, and long-term competitiveness in the EU market.

See the full document: Automotive Industry at a Crossroads – Europe Needs Support, Technological Neutrality and Data Access