On 5-6 February, EOS took part at the at the EU Industry Days 2019 held in Brussels.

President Jean-Claude Juncker opened this edition of EU Industry Days (5-6 February, Brussels) dedicated to three main topics: The thematic areas selected for 2019 are:

1. industry and sustainability.
2. industry and globalisation.
3. innovation and digitalisation.

“The future of Europe's industry will depend on its ability to adapt by investing in new technologies and embracing the digital and ecological transitions,” European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said. In this respect, Mr Juncker added that a quarter of the EU's next budget would support clean energy, climate and sustainable development, with innovation funding increased by 50%. President Jean-Claude Juncker recalled as well that “in order to adapt to the modern world, skills and jobs are remain the first priority.”

The Industry Day is the Commission’s annual flagship conference on industrial policy that brings together key industry representatives, public authorities and civil society to discuss the future of EU industry against the backdrop of the Commission’s 2017 Industrial Policy Strategy.

Mr Katainen, Vice-President for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness; El?bieta Bie?kowska, Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs –who stressed that global economic development needs to be balanced by sustainability and fair business practices; and Margrethe Vestager, Commissioner for Competition, participated in the event, which will also welcomed Kristalina Georgieva, interim President of the World Bank, and Li Yong, Director General of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Further information:

·         Speech by President Juncker.

·         Speech by Commissioner Bienkowska.