European Commission Strengthens European Automotive Sector
AIDA CCI, through its Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), reports on the latest strategic developments for the European industry. European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, chaired the third Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry on September 12, 2025, in Brussels. The meeting, which brought together industry leaders and social partners, reaffirmed the need for a swift implementation of the Action Plan for the Automotive Sector and launched new initiatives to ensure Europe’s competitiveness in a profoundly transforming global market.
Main Results and New Initiatives
The dialogue focused on securing Europe’s leadership in the field of electric vehicles, accelerating innovation in autonomous and connected vehicles, and strengthening the European battery manufacturing industry. Consequently, two crucial initiatives were announced:
- Memorandum of Understanding for Innovation: A memorandum was signed to accelerate research and innovation in the sector, aiming to position Europe as a leader in sustainable and smart mobility by 2035. This agreement brings together the 2Zero (zero-emission road transport), CCAM (connected and automated mobility), and BATT4EU (innovation in the battery value chain) partnerships.
- European Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Alliance (ECAVA): A new alliance was launched to serve as a forum for defining a shared industrial agenda in areas such as software, hardware, and AI models for autonomous driving ecosystems.
Furthermore, the European Commission continues to work on protecting companies from unfair competition, improving access to critical raw materials, and supporting workers through professional reskilling programs.
Context and Action Plan for the Automotive Sector
The Strategic Dialogue was launched by President Ursula von der Leyen in January 2025 to respond to the profound changes in the sector. As a result of this collaborative process, the Commission presented, in March 2025, a detailed Action Plan with concrete measures to ensure a robust and sustainable automotive sector.
This plan was built on the basis of public consultations and the work of several working groups, reflecting a joint effort to create a pragmatic and predictable regulatory framework that stimulates innovation.
Implications for Portuguese Companies
These initiatives represent a strategic opportunity for Portuguese companies, particularly for SMEs that are part of the automotive sector’s value chain. The focus on innovation, digitalization, and sustainability opens doors to new business areas and reinforces the need to adapt to new market demands.
AIDA CCI, through the Enterprise Europe Network, will continue to monitor these developments and support companies in identifying funding and partnership opportunities that allow them to align with the strategic priorities of the European Union.
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