The EESC calls for ambitious reindustrialisation to tackle cost-of-living crisis and create quality jobs

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted a new opinion urging the EU to place reindustrialisation at the heart of its response to the cost-of-living crisis. This is part of a broader EESC strategy aimed at tackling Europe’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis through a series of sectoral and umbrella opinions. The Committee argues that a stronger industrial base is key for securing quality jobs, boosting innovation and strengthening Europe’s economic resilience.

At the latest EESC plenary session, rapporteur of the opinion Reindustrialisation of Europe – opportunity for businesses, employees and citizens in the context of the cost-of-living crisis, Andrés Barceló Delgado, described reindustrialisation as ‘the best way to guarantee long-term jobs and promote innovation and high-value services’. He explained that Europe’s future competitiveness depends on rebuilding industry while cutting unnecessary bureaucracy and attracting skilled workers.

Co-rapporteur Monika Sitárová stressed that industry’s revival must benefit everyone, noting that ‘reindustrialisation is not about going back to the past. It is about creating industries that lead the green and digital transitions and deliver stable jobs and fair pay’.

Building stronger and more resilient industries

The EESC opinion sets out practical ideas to support Europe’s reindustrialisation. It calls on the EU to focus on building stronger, more resilient industries. This includes creating a European fund – supported by the Member States, the European Investment Bank and private investors – to help produce the key materials and medicines on which Europe relies. Making sure that energy is affordable, secure and reliable is another top priority, with the EESC calling for urgent action to bring down energy costs so that businesses can stay competitive without putting extra pressure on families.

Simplifying rules while protecting workers and the environment

The opinion also pushes for simpler rules and less red tape, without weakening important social or environmental standards. Cutting pointless bureaucracy can make it easier for industry to grow, while still protecting people and the planet.

Social dialogue is at the heart of the plan. The EESC wants all public funding for industry to come with conditions that protect workers’ rights, promote climate action and ensure decent jobs. This means companies that are receiving support would also need to invest in training, fair pay and good working conditions.

Investing in skills, innovation and sustainable growth

This opinion also has a strong focus on people, and includes calls for more investment in training, apprenticeships and education in order to give workers the skills they need for the future. It also stresses the importance of recognising skills across EU countries and supporting young entrepreneurs in manufacturing.

The EESC also backs the European Commission’s Competitiveness Compass, but stresses that it needs clear targets so that progress can be properly measured. It sees innovation, sustainability and inclusion as key for Europe’s industrial future, and recommends faster approvals for green projects, stronger support for circular business models and closer cooperation between public and private partners.