Special EU council to tackle crisis in the European automotive industry
The European automotive industry has faced a difficult economic and social situation in the past year. Despite initiatives from some EU Member States, fundamental problems are still facing the industry and are jeopardising its future.
In a letter to the President of the European Council, Mr. Frederick Reinfeldt and to the President of the European Commission, Mr José Manuel Barroso, the EMF calls for the establishment of a European automotive industry council in order to develop joint solutions to the industry’s problems. The Swedish Presidency should take this opportunity to be at the forefront of the initiative.
The EMF proposes that this council should tackle the following issues and problems in the European automotive industry:
1) Access to financial aid for the entire automotive industry
2) Co-ordination and transparency of national support
3) Safeguarding and development of skills and know-how, especially oriented towards new technologies
4) Strengthening financial means for mastering the negative effects of the current crisis for the workers
5) Supporting market penetration of new generation vehicles through a regulatory framework
For more information, please contact:
EMF General Secretary, Peter Scherrer
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Press 39/2009
The EMF is the representative body defending the interests of workers in the European metal industry. The EMF has a mandate for the external representation and coordination of the metalworkers' unions and a mandate to engage in bargaining at European level.
