# European industrial policy and competitiveness debate

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-industrial-policy-and-competitiveness-debate
> Updated: 2026-11-04T15:40:00.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 2.

Discussions regarding the future of European industry have centered on the need for a unified industrial policy to combat deindustrialization. Pierfrancesco Maran, a Democratic Party MEP, has advocated for a common policy to complement agricultural support and accelerate progress in sectors such as artificial intelligence, defense, and the automotive industry. Maran noted that the automotive sector faces challenges from Chinese competition and emphasized the importance of “made in Europe” requirements. Following these calls, major industrial organizations including Confindustria, Germany’s BDI, and France’s MEDEF issued a joint warning titled “How to save European industry.” Presented at the Trilateral Business Forum in Berlin, these groups, alongside BusinessEurope, warned that a solid industrial base is essential for European sovereignty. They identified critical threats such as geopolitical tensions, global overcapacity, high energy costs, and strategic dependencies. The organizations recommended massive annual investments of up to 1.2 trillion euros to support decarbonization and resilience. They also urged the strengthening of commercial defense tools to combat unfair practices and called for more assertive trade policies with increased reciprocity regarding China. Further recommendations include ensuring the EU Multiannual Financial Framework protects spending for the European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe, while promoting digital sovereignty through adequate infrastructure. Additionally, at the Ecomondo event in Rimini, representatives highlighted the need for a unified circular economy market to eliminate regulatory discrepancies between member states and noted that Italy must maintain leadership in the bio-LNG sector to prevent investment flight. Recent discussions have expanded on these needs, with industry leaders advocating for streamlining bureaucracy and completing the internal market based on the Enrico Letta “One Market” report.

## Claims

- Roberto Tasca calls for a unified EU market for the circular economy to eliminate regulatory differences. (reported by 5 sources)
- Carlo Corazza states that the Green Deal cannot be achieved without a strong industrial base. (reported by 4 sources)
- Confindustria, BDI, and MEDEF issued a document titled “How to Save European Industry” in Berlin. (reported by 1 source)
- European industries require up to 1.2 trillion euros annually for competitiveness and decarbonization. (reported by 1 source)
- Thirteen representatives from Brindisi were appointed to Confindustria national technical groups. (reported by 1 source)
- Assogasliquidi warns of a risk of investment flight for the Italian bio-LNG industry. (reported by 1 source)
- Italian companies have invested 300 million euros to create a distribution network of over 180 points. (reported by 1 source)
- The Trilateral Business Forum requested reciprocity in trade relations with China. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-04: European industry leaders call for urgent action to prevent deindustrialization

European industry groups Confindustria, BDI, and MEDEF warn of deindustrialization, calling for 1.2 trillion euros annually to boost competitiveness and a more assertive trade policy.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sicily-regional-government-wins-court-ruling-on-cyclone-relief

### 2026-10-29: European Union: Maran calls for common industrial policy

MEP Pierfrancesco Maran calls for a unified EU industrial policy to bolster sectors like AI, defense, and automotive while ensuring energy independence and protecting European workers.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pierfrancesco-maran-calls-for-common-eu-industrial-policy

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Cite as: European industrial policy and competitiveness debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-industrial-policy-and-competitiveness-debate