Furthermore, RAI Vereniging demands more involvement from Dutch political leaders in The Hague and aligns with the appeal of the European umbrella organizations ACEA and CLEPA.
Today marked the kickoff of the strategic dialogue, which includes manufacturers, suppliers, social partners, and multiple EU commissioners, including Wopke Hoekstra. The discussions are led by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Through this strategic dialogue, the European Commission aims to secure the future of the automotive industry—an industry vital to Europe’s prosperity—while simultaneously making progress in sustainability. The Commission acknowledges the urgent need to take action to protect and secure the future of the European automotive industry within the EU. The strategic dialogue is expected to result in an ‘Industrial Action Plan,’ which Von der Leyen has announced will be presented on Wednesday, March 5.
Frits van Bruggen, Chairman of RAI Vereniging, welcomes the discussions but urges swift action: “It is good that discussions are now taking place at the highest level within the EU. However, we must take decisive action as soon as possible. Increasing competition, the risk of import tariffs, and an ever-growing number of regulations have a paralyzing effect. We need to break through this stagnation.”
Chefsache
RAI Vereniging emphasizes that much is at stake for the Netherlands as well. The Dutch automotive industry plays a leading role both nationally and internationally. The Netherlands is not only a significant producer of heavy commercial vehicles but also a major supplier of knowledge and components for the leading automotive and mobility manufacturers in Germany and other parts of Europe. Dutch suppliers and innovators hold a key position in battery technology, vehicle software, and smart mobility solutions. “This is about many jobs and a major economic interest. In our European capital, Brussels, as well as in the U.S. and Germany, the future of the automotive industry has become a ‘chefsache’ (a top priority). The alarming report by Mario Draghi on the competitiveness of the EU—especially in comparison to China and the U.S.—has played a crucial role in this. However, The Hague remains largely silent. It is essential that Dutch politics recognize the same level of urgency,” says Van Bruggen.
More Influence in European Affairs
RAI Vereniging calls on Dutch politicians—both the government and the House of Representatives—to play a stronger role at the European level. The Dutch government must explicitly express the importance of a competitive, innovative, and sustainable automotive sector in Brussels. This requires direct involvement in the strategic dialogue and closer cooperation with leading countries such as Germany, France, and Sweden. Van Bruggen states: “We must stand together and take action.”
Additionally, the government must do more to support companies investing in sustainable mobility and production innovation. If insufficient efforts are made, the Netherlands risks losing investments to countries like Germany, France, and the U.S., which offer more favorable conditions. With Brainport Eindhoven, the Automotive Campus, and research institutions such as TNO and TU Delft, the Netherlands has a strong position in battery technology and electric mobility. RAI Vereniging urges the government to maintain structural investments in these developments, improve charging infrastructure, resolve grid congestion issues as quickly as possible, and enhance access to European innovation funds.
Economic Significance
The automotive industry employs more than 13 million people across the EU and contributes approximately 7% of the GDP. In the Netherlands, the industry accounts for 50.000 jobs and generates an annual revenue of around 40 billion euros.
