Articles - Industrial policy

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  03/05/13 Industrial policy

  Where are we with new partnership for EU industry?

  Following the creation of its blueprint for raising industry’s contribution to EU GDP from 16 % to 20 % by 2020, the European Commission will host a conference on Industrial Policy on 6 June in Brussels. By bringing together political leaders, business people and industry experts, the conference will focus on progress made so far, as well as further action that can bring immediate benefits to help restore industrial growth. Full story

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  25/04/13 Industrial policy

  NANDO: Conformity assessments ensure safe products

  For almost 30 years, products have been circulating freely in Europe based on the simple condition that producers can guarantee their products (e.g., hair dryers, toys, smartphones, TVs, washing machines, etc.) are safe. One of the ways in which this is achieved is to have the products tested and certified against the ’essential requirements’ of the applicable legislation by the bodies listed in the database called NANDO. These organisations provide conformity assessment services both inside and outside the EU, and thus protect Europe’s citizens and businesses. Full story

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  25/04/13 Industrial policy

  Tajani: Common charger for small electronic devices

  A recent report shows that the European Commission’s 2009 initiative to harmonise chargers for mobile phones is yielding results. Thanks to the agreement, which was reached with mobile phone manufacturers through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the vast majority of new devices placed on the market today support a compatible charger based on Micro-USB technology. Unfortunately, the MoU expired at the end of 2012. But in an interview with Enterprise & Industry Magazine, European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani explains that the Commission’s ambition to harmonise chargers has no expiration date. Full story

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  25/04/13 Industrial policy

  Preventing obstacles to trade before they arise

  Although we enjoy the free movement of goods in the internal market, more than 15 000 national technical regulations can make it difficult for enterprises to sell their products – from bicycles to foodstuffs – in other Member States. However, there is a preventive tool which enables enterprises to anticipate the creation of such barriers to trade: the notification procedure under Directive 98/34/EC, which requires new technical regulations to be put on hold before being adopted in order to avoid obstacles to trade. Full story

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  25/04/13 Industrial policy

  Construction: Single market made easy for companies

  Construction companies wishing to expand their business to another EU Member State need to know the challenges they might face. Employment, environmental and safety requirements may differ, quite like those for construction materials and products. The European Commission has launched several initiatives to help enterprises overcome these difficulties, equipping construction companies with the information they need to be successful in other EU countries. Full story

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  06/02/13 Industrial policy

  Missions for Growth: EU businesses benefit from emerging markets

  The world’s fastest growing economies are not in Europe. And that’s why the European Commission is committed to opening doors for European enterprises around the globe. The Commission has sent representatives and business delegations to emerging markets in Africa, Latin America and Asia. The insights they gain will help EU SMEs capitalise on external growth – which, in turn, will spur growth here in Europe. Full story

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  23/01/13 Industrial policy

  EU and China agree to improve toy safety

  Because toys are for children, it is important to have additional regulations to ensure safety. That’s why the Netherlands – one of the EU’s main entry points for toys – has teamed up with China – one of the EU’s main sources of toy imports –signed an action plan called, ‘Cooperation in the field of toy safety’. The resulting collaboration will promote toy safety and, by extension, promote child safety. Full story

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  23/01/13 Industrial policy

  Industrial revolution brings industry back to Europe

  Europe needs its real economy now more than ever to underpin our ongoing economic recovery. As such, EU actions will be designed to reverse the current downward trend and to promote the reindustrialisation of Europe. Industry currently accounts for about 16% of EU GDP. Therefore, the European Commission has set its goal that industry's share of GDP should be around 20% by 2020. Full story

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  23/01/13 Industrial policy

  Avoiding barriers to global trade

  While all countries have the right to adopt technical regulations to achieve legitimate purposes (e.g. ensuring public health or protecting the environment and consumers) the TBT Agreement (Technical Barriers to Trade) helps prevent unfair, protectionist measures. Administered by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the TBT Agreement alerts European businesses about potential new regulations and encourages global harmonisation and mutual recognition. European businesses can contribute to work of the European Commission on avoiding technical barriers to trade. This collaboration benefits enterprises large and small. The resulting collaboration benefits enterprises large and small. Full story

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  18/12/12 Industrial policy

  China-Europe: Information on standards and market requirements

  The Europe-China Standards Information Platform, or CESIP, provides valuable, bi-lingual information to Chinese and European businesses on everything from technical regulations to market access requirements. Launched last October, CESIP has details on thousands of standards and offers a progressive way to enhance collaboration and spur economic growth. Full story

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  18/12/12 Industrial policy

  Involvement in standard-setting makes small business stronger

  European standards are integral to the internal market: They erase the confusion and inefficiency caused by divergent national standards and allow Member States to compete on a level playing field. In order to strengthen European standards, the European Commission welcomes small and medium-sized enterprises to offer their ideas and insights. Full story

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  27/07/12 Industrial policy

  European automotive industry gears up for 21st century

  The European automotive industry is a major driving force of the European economy, but it is currently facing a number of pressing challenges. The recommendations of the CARS 21 High Level Group should help the sector pursue a sustainable future delivering economic growth and jobs. Cleaner alternative fuels and vehicles as well as developing more sophisticated road safety technologies and gaining better access to third markets are part of this vision leading up to 2020. Full story

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  21/06/12 Industrial policy

  Building a new industrial revolution in Europe

  The European Commission is developing ways for a radical reshape of European industry so as to boost sustainable growth. As part of that effort, it has launched a public consultation asking stakeholders for their input into a mid-term review of its industrial policy communication. This review will focus on developing a limited number of new initiatives that can deliver substantial results in the short to medium term. Full story

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  07/05/12 Industrial policy

  Innovation in healthcare and access to medicines

  A two-day conference gathered key actors and policy-makers in Brussels in order to discuss challenges and opportunities for innovation in healthcare. Access to patent information and local capacity building emerged as two of the most interesting topics explored during the session entitled ‘Improving access to medicines in Africa, where do the solutions lie: At home or abroad?’ Full story

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  13/04/12 Industrial policy

  Opportunities for Euro-Mediterranean textiles and clothing

  Stakeholders from EU countries and those countries on the southern rim of the Mediterranean met in Milan to discuss ways the neighbours can partner to help businesses become more competitive through closer cooperation. Full story

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  20/03/12 Industrial policy

  Africa-EU cooperation on raw materials

  Raw materials are high on the agenda as their sustainable supply can provide a key contribution in several areas, ranging from development to industrial competitiveness. Good governance, investment & infrastructure and geological knowledge & skills were the three main themes for discussions at a high-level conference about the Africa-EU partnership on raw materials.  Full story

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  29/02/12 Industrial policy

  Galileo is right on track

  The launch of the first two Galileo IOV (In-Orbit Validation) satellites on 21 October 2011 was a red-letter day for the European Union's global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and the project continues to advance through important milestones. While the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is going to set up its headquarters in Prague, new contracts for satellites and launchers signed in the presence of Vice President Tajani ensure that Galileo will deliver its first services in 2014 as planned. The potential benefits for the European industry and the economy at large are significant. Full story

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  15/12/11 Industrial policy

  Galileo takes off

  The successful launch of the first two operational Galileo satellites on 21 October 2011 confirms Europe’s arrival on the global satellite navigation stage. This is about more than prestige, it's about growth and jobs which are key priorities in the current economic climate. Satellite navigation technologies play an ever-increasing role in the global economy and the lives of citizens. Galileo is expected to benefit both European citizens and enterprises from potentially every sector. Full story

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  15/11/11 Industrial policy

  Economic recovery through industrial competitiveness

  Supporting Europe’s competitiveness requires robust industrial and SMEs policies at the national level along with effective EU-level coordination. To this end, the European Commission is ready to promote and monitor the structural improvements which can play a key role in ensuring sustainable growth. Two recent reports offer a valuable insight into the current state of play across Europe, as well as identifying key areas for action. Full story

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  22/09/11 Industrial policy

  Preparing in time for REACH

  The REACH Regulation is designed to deliver both a high level of protection from the potential risks posed by chemical substances and a strong, innovative European industry that is competitive on the global market. REACH concerns not only the traditional chemical industry, but also businesses from several other sectors. Relevant companies need to start working on registration now in order to meet the 1 June 2013 deadline. The European Commission and the European Chemicals Agency have developed tools to make sure that SMEs are well equipped and ready to fulfil their obligations. Full story

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  05/08/11 Industrial policy

  Security first in Europe

  The EU ensures the security of its citizens across a wide swath of activities, from civil protection against natural hazards to the protection of their food chain.  Guarding against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) hazards is an especially important focus of the EU’s Security Research programme, which will also boost Europe’s industrial competitiveness. Full story

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  07/07/11 Industrial policy

  Supporting Europe’s bio-sector abroad

  The European Commission’s presence at the world’s largest biotech and life science event is a sign of how seriously it takes its role of supporting the sector and boosting its innovativeness and global competitiveness. Full story

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  23/06/11 Industrial policy

  Strengthening Euro-Mediterranean industrial cooperation

  The EU will support the Southern Mediterranean people’s democratic aspirations by creating a Euro-Med area of shared prosperity with a special focus on entrepreneurship and small business. To this end, industry ministers have agreed upon a series of practical actions during the latest Euro-Med meeting held in Malta. Full story

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  31/05/11 Industrial policy

  Sunny perspectives for the European tourism sector

  A new survey indicates that the first signs of recovery registered in 2010 will continue into 2011, which is expected to be a good year for the European travel industry. The European Commission is working on further strengthening the basis of this positive outlook through the ambitious strategy for the sector unveiled last year. Full story

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  19/05/11 Industrial policy

  Shaping a new EU space policy

  While some may consider space to be a luxury that Europe cannot afford during a time of austerity, nothing could be further from the truth. Improving the safety and daily lives of European citizens thanks to radio navigation, guiding tractors by satellite for high-yield crops, optimising responses to humanitarian crisis. This is not science fiction but just a few examples of innovations related to space technologies developed today. Many thousands of highly skilled jobs rely on the sector, which is working to make people’s lives easier and safer, and European industry as a whole more competitive. To ensure continued success, the European Commission is developing an integrated space policy that will strengthen Europe’s space infrastructure. Full story

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  19/04/11 Industrial policy

  Defence and security at the crossroads

  While an innovative and competitive European defence industry is key to meet the objectives of the Common Security and Defence Policy, this highly sensitive sector has often been constrained by market fragmentation. Two European Directives will now strengthen the foundations of an open and competitive European Defence Equipment Market and a long-term, strong and genuine European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. On the occasion of the transposition of these Directives, a high level conference, chaired jointly by Commission Vice-President Tajani and Commissioner Barnier, will discuss new challenges the sector is facing. Full story

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  24/03/11 Industrial policy

  European service conquers new aviation safety milestone

  The European Commission has officially launched the EGNOS Safety-of-Life Service for aviation, providing a new means of increasing air transport efficiency and safety. The EGNOS system enables safe landing approaches in difficult weather and topographic conditions, without any ground infrastructure, rendering air navigation safer while reducing delays, diversions and flight cancellations. Full story

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  18/02/11 Industrial policy

  A European strategy for raw materials

  Raw materials play a key role in industrial competitiveness, including in sectors developing environmentally friendly technologies, such as electric cars and photovoltaics. Building on previous initiatives, the European Commission has proposed a set of actions that seek to enhance the EU’s access to raw materials in its competitiveness, social and environmental dimensions. Full story

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  02/12/10 Industrial policy

  Industrial policy takes centre stage

  A competitive industry is key if Europe is to remain a global economic leader. In order to promote a successful industrial policy in our fast changing world, the European Commission has set out a wide-ranging strategy that aims to maintain and support a strong, diversified and competitive industrial base in Europe. This industrial base should play an important role in meeting crucial objectives for the European economy, such as creating new jobs and promoting sustainable growth. Full story

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  18/11/10 Industrial policy

  Securing peace and prosperity

  Security research can improve both the safety of citizens and the competitiveness of industry. The EU has streamlined its efforts in this domain by devoting a specific strand of its Seventh Framework Programme for Research to this theme. Halfway through the implementation of the programme, a conference was held to take stock of the progress made and the future direction of security research in Europe. Full story

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  14/10/10 Industrial policy

  Forest-based sector: flying on the wings of innovation

  While the EU is a global leader in many of the forest-based industries, innovative solutions are needed to maintain a high level of performance.. The European Commission is supporting the sector in its efforts to further develop its sustainability and competitiveness. Bio-refineries are an area of particular interest, as they can help to find new products that can also deliver on environmental objectives. Significant research activities have been launched in this field. Full story

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  07/10/10 Industrial policy

  Nurturing the competitiveness of the European food industry

  Despite its size and success, the European food industry is facing a number of challenges. The European Commission has been promoting initiatives to support the competitive position and sustainability of the sector, while ensuring public policy priorities, such as food safety and security of supply. Full story

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  22/07/10 Industrial policy

  Of material importance

  A vast array of raw materials, including minerals and 'high-tech metals', play a key role in the development of industrial applications and advanced consumer products. According to a recent report by an expert group in the framework of the EU Raw Materials Initiative, Europe is in a vulnerable position when it comes to securing its supply of some of these raw materials: out of 41 minerals and metals analysed, the experts labelled 14 as critical. The results of the report will be used in the drafting of strategies to ensure access to raw materials which the European Commission will present in autumn 2010. Full story

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  23/06/10 Industrial policy

  Vehicle for sustainability and competitiveness

  The EU's proposed Clean Vehicles Strategy will help enhance the sustainability and global competitiveness of the European automotive industry, while increasing the number of sustainable mobility options for European citizens and meeting their growing demand for more environmentally friendly cars. Full story

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  19/05/10 Industrial policy

  How can industry improve its competitiveness?

  The economic crisis has refocused attention on the central role of European industry and its critical importance for wealth creation in Europe. The need for Europe to demonstrate its strengths in capital intensive, high-skilled manufacturing industry has never been more important for growth and employment performance. At the end of April, the second high-level conference on industrial competitiveness launched a debate on this: what lessons should be learnt from the crisis and different policy options on how to help industry out of it were discussed. Full story

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  16/02/10 Industrial policy

  Galileo, a big opportunity for the EU's economy

  Galileo, the EU's strategic global navigation satellite system (GNSS), is set to be operational in 2014. This is good news for European enterprises, as Galileo's advanced technological features will make it a valuable tool for nearly all economic sectors. It is also good news for European citizens who will enjoy more accurate positioning technologies and greater safety in the air, on land and at sea. Full story

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  04/12/09 Industrial policy

  Oiling the cogs of the European machinery sector

  Applicable from 29 December 2009, the revised Machinery Directive aims to consolidate the achievements of the original legislation in terms of the free circulation and safety of machinery in Europe, whilst improving its application. In the run up to the revisions coming into force, a stakeholder conference has been organised for 9 December 2009 so as to examine perspectives and challenges for the European machinery industry. Full story

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  30/09/09 Industrial policy

  LeaderSHIP 2015 - Strengthening European shipbuilding

  Recent times have seen significant restructuring in Europe's shipbuilding industry, with a focus on high value-added products with which European firms are best placed to compete in the global economy. But the economic crisis means that global competition will get stronger, since fewer orders mean more yards bidding for each job. The European Commission has recently organised a High-level Meeting, to discuss how Europe's LeaderSHIP 2015 strategy for the industry needs to be reviewed to face the new challenges the crisis brings. Full story

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  16/09/09 Industrial policy

  REACH - time to act on registration

  The first wave of registrations under the REACH Regulation on chemicals need to be made as early as possible next year for the 30 November 2010 deadline. To ensure that the available hazard data on any given substance are collated and shared so that studies are not duplicated, especially animal tests, legal entities registering the same substance are required to share their information in a Substance Information Exchange Forum (SIEF). They need also to agree amongst themselves on who will be the 'lead registrant' submitting the joint dossier on safety information to the European Chemicals Agency. Full story

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  18/05/09 Industrial policy

  Seamless security through the airwaves

  European research is finding novel ways to ensure interoperability of communication systems linking emergency and security services through wireless and radio technology. These are just some of the many initiatives in which the EU is investing as part of its efforts to respond to the security concerns of citizens, while boosting the competitiveness and innovativeness of European industry. Full story

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  06/02/09 Industrial policy

  Strengthening Europe's steel industry

  A competitive European steel industry is crucial for the development of major industrial sectors, such as the automotive sector and construction. A recent study financed under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme sets out the steps industry and policy-makers need to take to keep the sector competitive in the global marketplace. Full story

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  30/01/09 Industrial policy

  Putting Europe's glass and ceramics industries on the right track

  The recent studies on Europe's glass and ceramics industries, funded by the European Commission, will help business leaders and EU policy-makers address the challenges needed to keep the sectors globally competitive. Full story

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  21/01/09 Industrial policy

  Food sector seeks innovation

  Europe's agri-food industry needs to adapt to a more globalised marketplace if it is to remain competitive, according to stakeholders attending a recent conference on the industry. Full story

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  13/01/09 Industrial policy

  Healthy rules for pharmaceuticals

  A new European Commission package of proposals prescribes a course forward for the pharmaceuticals sector, so as to address the challenges it is facing, while ensuring a high level of protection of public health. Full story

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