The EU needs to reassess the priorities of its industrial policy in light of the pandemic and the conflict on Europe's eastern border. This is the message that emerged from the conference on 'A sustainable future for European industry' hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee on 4 March 2022, in cooperation with the European Commission and the French presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Opening the Conference, EESC President Christa Schweng stressed the need for a cooperative approach to shaping EU industrial policy: "We must work in partnership with industry, public authorities, and the social partners when building a sustainable future for EU industry. In this process, we must leave nobody behind".

While the EU is still dealing with the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, the dramatic events in Ukraine have shocked the continent. The Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Margrethe Vestager, said that "Europe's industries must reduce one-sided reliance on others. We must also protect the Single Market from external influence, whether in the form of distortive foreign subsidies or attempts at coercion by foreign governments."

Most speakers saw the conflict as yet another strong argument to keep pushing for green objectives, although some felt that circumstances call for a rethink of our green goals, and even envisaged a return to coal in Europe. "New emerging factors, such as inflation, debt, defence, and energy, are completely changing the industrial strategy we need to pursue. Strategic autonomy and defence must be our new imperative," urged MEP Carlo Calenda.

Thomas Courbe, Director-General for Enterprise at the French Ministry of the Economy, Finance and the Recovery, further believes that the transition to sustainable energy represents an opportunity to modernise Europe's industrial foundations. The twin transition must foster fair and socially just job creation conditions, in line with the principle of leaving no-one behind. "The goal should be to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible at the lowest possible socioeconomic cost," added Sandra Parthie, EESC rapporteur on Updating the new industrial strategy.

Lastly, Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for the Internal Market, reiterated that in times of growing geopolitical tensions, it is essential to encourage the development of a cohesive vision of the European Union and its industries. (gb/dm)