On 4 March 2022, the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Commission are hosting a conference on A sustainable future for European industry.

Europe’s industrial fabric is at the heart of our/the backbone of its economies: it generates wealth, it creates jobs and it fuels our welfare systems. Since the beginning of the health crisis, many companies have been struggling to tackle unprecedented challenges and find creative ways to reinvent themselves, build resilience and survive. This transformation is crucial, especially in dealing with the economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This hybrid event will look into civil society’s contribution towards rebuilding a sustainable and green digital Europe – a Europe that does not lose sight of long-term growth and investment strategies, but at the same time ensures fairness and leaves no one behind.

EESC President Christa Schweng will open the conference, with key note speeches by Commissioner Thierry Breton and the French presidency of the Council of the EU. It will be organised in two panels focussing on reconciling strategic autonomy with sustainability, and on civil society’s role in unleashing a strong industrial policy for Europe’s green and digital transition. The conference will end with closing remarks from European Vice-President Margrethe Vestager.

This event is organised in the context of the French presidency of the Council of the European Union.