The European transport industry stands at a critical juncture as it navigates the dual challenges of meeting stringent emission reduction goals and sustaining global competitiveness. This follows the European Commission’s Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry, where President Ursula von der Leyen, in early March, announced a suite of ambitious initiatives designed to secure the sector’s future amidst escalating global competition.

At a recent gathering organised by the Platform for Electromobility, industry leaders and policymakers convened under the banner “Clean or Dirty? What makes a good deal for European Transport Industries?” to chart a path forward. A recurring theme was the imperative for long-term investment goals complemented by regular milestones to drive progress. Speakers underscored that without clear direction and regulatory stability, investments in the sector would falter. This view resonated across both the rail and automotive sectors, which face significant obstacles in scaling up their contributions to the green transition.