PRAGUE – Czechia has expressed its dissatisfaction with the European Commission’s newly launched strategic dialogue on the automotive industry, citing the exclusion of key players from the region.
The automotive industry is the most important manufacturing sector in Czechia, contributing almost 10% to the nation’s GDP.
While welcoming the initiative, Czech Transport Minister Martin Kupka expressed disappointment at the limited representation of regional players.
“It is a pity that Central European car manufacturers were not also present in a stronger line-up at Thursday’s meeting,” he wrote.
ECR MEP Alexandr Vondra went further, pointing the finger at the Commission for inviting representatives of car manufacturers “predominantly from Germany and France.”
He also criticised sending an invitation to NGOs and companies with significant third-country ownership like Volvo. In doing so, “the Commission risks jeopardising Europe’s competitiveness and betraying its own industrial ambitions,” Vondra said.
Meanwhile, EPP Czech MEPs expressed satisfaction with the launch of the dialogue but also stressed the need to reflect suppliers’ concerns.
“I see the meeting of the top bosses of the car companies with the Commission as the first stage, which should lead to concrete steps in early March,” Danuše Nerudová said.
“The Commission must listen to all the players throughout the process, including the supply chain, which is crucial in the Czech Republic,” she added.
According to the Czech transport minister, the EU needs to make systematic changes, including a reduction in energy prices and adjustments to the EU’s emissions-related sanctions, which could be imposed on companies that fail to meet the targets for the share of electric vehicles sold.
To ensure the Czech concerns are heard, Kupka has invited Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas to visit the country and meet with local manufacturers.
“We will be as active as possible to influence the final form of this document,” Kupka said, adding that he was convinced Czechia could help shape the EU’s upcoming action plan for the automotive industry, which is due by 5 March.
(Aneta Zachová | Euractiv.cz)
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Publish date : 2025-01-30 22:20:00
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Publish date : 2025-02-04 00:32:37
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