European Leaders Urge Action on Key Priorities for a Sustainable Future

A coalition of prominent organisations from the automotive value chain has issued a compelling call to action in a letter directed to President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission. The signatories have implored the Commission to prioritise six vital initiatives before the conclusion of the current mandate in 2024:

1. Develop a Robust Industrial Strategy: The first priority highlighted in the letter underscores the need for a comprehensive industrial strategy to fortify European industries for a sustainable future.
2. Scale Up a European Zero-Emission Market and Battery Value Chain: With environmental concerns at the forefront, the call for expanding a zero-emission market and strengthening the battery value chain reflects the urgency of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
3. Ensure a Stable and Coherent Regulatory Environment for the Sector: Stability and coherence in regulations are crucial to providing businesses with a clear path toward sustainability, and promoting innovation while ensuring environmental responsibility.
4. Enhance the Skills Agenda and Just Transition Framework: The commitment to improving skills and fostering a "Just Transition" framework highlights the importance of a fair and inclusive shift towards greener technologies.
5. Improve Transport Affordability: Addressing the issue of transport affordability acknowledges the need to make sustainable transportation options accessible to a broader population.
6. Ensure a Global Level Playing Field: On an international scale, establishing a level playing field is vital to ensure that European industries remain competitive while adhering to global standards.

The signatories have emphasised their unwavering dedication to decarbonising the transport sector. They stress that failure to act on these priorities may jeopardise the European automotive industry's transformation and competitiveness. Additionally, it could put more than 13 million EU jobs at risk, underscoring the far-reaching implications of inaction.

Image courtesy of ACEA