Industrial renewal is a key issue for European competitiveness

– Europe's ability to compete with China and the United States in the global economy is of crucial importance. Reforming our industry for tomorrow's world is key to this competitiveness, said Mika Lintilä, Minister of Economic Affairs, in his speech at the EU Industry Day on 6 February, 2016.

Minister Lintilä was invited to speak at the EU Industry Days by Commissioner Jyrki Katainen as the Minister of Competitiveness of the future EU Presidency. About 1,000 high-profile European industry as well as political and civil society representatives and authorities were present at the event. There are dozens of events connected to the annual event.

– Industrial renewal through technological development, digitalisation and artificial intelligence is a crucial disruption for Europe to be ready for. Success in the industrial reform is a key issue for the EU’s economic growth, employment and global competitiveness, the Minister said.

In his speech, the Minister stressed that the EU must be able to improve its regulatory environment to support the competitiveness of its industry – and at the same time move Europe towards a more sustainable society.

According to the Minister, the battery industry is an example of the potential of a competitive, sustainable field for Europe.

The production of batteries in Europe is a strategic necessity for the transition to clean energy solutions and is important, among other things, for the competitiveness of the automotive industry. We should be able to create a competitive value chain for battery manufacturing in Europe.

Finland will chair the EU Council of Ministers from beginning of July 2019. The priorities of the Minister for Competitiveness of the incoming Presidency on industrial policy and European competitiveness are now being listened with particular care.

Additional Information:


Akseli Koskela, Special Adviser to the Minister for Economic Affairs, TEM, p. +358 46 9232 584