A European Industrial Deal Focused on Ensuring Quality Industrial Jobs in Europe
Brussels
15.05.2024
Building on the Momentum of the Antwerp Declaration
As one of the representatives of European industry and labour, we acknowledge the importance of the Antwerp Declaration and its call for a strong European Industrial Deal. Building on the momentum it created, we advocate for a comprehensive deal that secures a future for European manufacturing and its workforce.
This statement emphasises the points of the Antwerp Declaration while recognising the presence of Commissioner Schmit and the importance of collaboration in achieving the goals outlined in the Declaration.
The Antwerp Declaration rightly highlighted the need for:
• A just transition that ensures quality jobs for European workers during the green transformation.
• A competitive industrial sector that fosters innovation and remains a global leader.
• Alignment between the Industrial Deal and the Green Deal, creating a sustainable future for European industry.
• Our joint statement builds upon these principles and proposes concrete actions to achieve them.
Challenges and Opportunities
Europe’s industrial sector faces significant challenges, including globalization, technological advancements, and the need for environmental sustainability. These challenges can lead to job losses and a decline in living standards for many Europeans. However, they also present an opportunity to modernize our industries, create new jobs, and strengthen Europe’s position in the global market.
Principles of the Industrial Deal
• Job creation and quality: The Industrial Deal must prioritize the creation and retention of high-quality industrial jobs across Europe. This includes fair wages, strong social protections, and opportunities for training and skills development.
• Sustainable development: Industrial development must be aligned with the objectives of the European Green Deal. This means investing in clean technologies, promoting energy efficiency, and ensuring a circular economy.
• Competitiveness: The Industrial Deal should strengthen the competitiveness of European industries by fostering innovation, research, and development. This includes supporting strategic sectors and key value chains.
• Just transition: We need a just transition for workers and communities affected by industrial change. This means providing support for retraining, relocation, and social safety nets.
• Social dialogue: Strong social dialogue between industry and labour is crucial for the success of the Industrial Deal. All stakeholders must be involved in shaping and implementing the deal.
Actions
The Industrial Deal should include a range of concrete actions, such as:
• Investment in clean technologies: A dedicated Clean Tech Deployment Fund can support the development and deployment of clean technologies in energy-intensive industries.
• Public-private partnerships: Public and private investment should be combined to support research and development, skills development, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Trade policies: Trade policies should be designed to protect European jobs and promote fair competition.
• Education and training: Investment in education and training is essential to equip workers with the skills needed for the jobs of the future.
• Re-skilling and up-skilling programs: Programs should be developed to help workers transition to new jobs within the green and digital sectors.
Conclusion
A strong European Industrial Deal can secure a future for European manufacturing that is both sustainable and prosperous. By working together, industry, labour, and policymakers can create a future where high-quality industrial jobs remain a cornerstone of the European economy. We urge European leaders to adopt this Joint Statement and work collaboratively to develop and implement a comprehensive Industrial Deal for Quality Jobs in Europe.
Read the Joint Statement here.
