Commissioner Séjourné highlights Spain’s “crucial role” for European industrial sovereignty

Ane Barcos The Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné, highlighted Spain's “crucial role” for European industrial sovereignty during his visit to the country on Friday. During his visit, he held a series of meetings with members of the Spanish government to discuss progress related to the proposed Industrial Acceleration Law, as well as issues linked to decarbonization and strategic autonomy. Séjourné met with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Barcelona on Friday, as part of their participation in the European Pulse event. In a post on the social media platform X, Séjourné explained that during the meeting they discussed decarbonization as an economic strategy, as well as resilience and reducing dependencies in the context of an open economy. For his part, Sánchez noted that they discussed the industrial future of Europe and agreed on the need for a European industrial policy focused on electrification and decarbonization. He added that Spain will continue to promote a more competitive and sustainable Europe. At the beginning of March, the European Commission presented the Industrial Acceleration Act with the aim of strengthening the European Union's industrial base by boosting demand for low-emission technologies and products manufactured in Europe. The proposal includes the introduction of European preference and sustainability criteria in public procurement and support programs. During his visit, Séjourné also met with the Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu. After the meeting, she indicated that they analyzed the elements of the industrial accelerator with the greatest impact on industry and referred to Spain's role in the context of European industrial policy. She also made reference to the "Made in Europe" approach. The Ministry of Industry and Tourism stated that Spain advocates a "Made in Europe" approach based on strengthening industrial investment and supporting sectors considered strategic. Séjourné also met with the First Vice-President of the Government and Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Carlos Cuerpo. Following the meeting, Cuerpo noted that Spain shares the diagnosis underpinning the proposed Industrial Acceleration Law and emphasized the importance of a balanced approach to its implementation to strengthen the European industrial base. In this context, he highlighted the objectives of reducing critical dependencies and rebuilding capabilities in strategic sectors, in relation to the impact of international conflicts. He also linked strategic autonomy to the development of clean technologies and economic competitiveness. Cuerpo added that strengthening strategic autonomy also implies advancing the integration of the single market and noted that progress in this area, as well as cooperation initiatives between Member States, were discussed during the meeting. For his part, Séjourné indicated that Spain has instruments to evaluate foreign investment, decarbonization measures, and industrial policies in the automotive sector within the framework of the "Made in Europe" approach.

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