Statement by Séamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee on the Industrial Accelerator Act

The EESC recognises the need to reinforce strategic value chains, accelerate the clean transition, and support sustainable manufacturing across the Union.

A strong industrial policy can contribute to the welfare of European society, meaning new jobs, a skilled workforce, and the long-term resilience of our economy.

Industrial ambition must go hand in hand with social cohesion, territorial balance, and meaningful opportunities for SMEs. Public investment should strengthen Europe’s competitiveness while avoiding fragmentation or disproportionate administrative burdens. In a world of global competition, Europe has to ensure that everyone playing on our pitch follows the same rules.

At the same time, Europe’s resilience also depends on close cooperation with trusted and like-minded partners. Third countries that share our values and standards and already have access to our market through enlargement or close economic cooperation, including close allies such as the United Kingdom, should be appropriately and pragmatically associated where this reinforces mutual strength and supply chain stability.

The EESC will engage constructively in the debate to ensure that Europe’s industrial renewal advances a Union of opportunities, security, and resilience for all its citizens