Dear all,
In these challenging times, it is important to focus on the glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic’s severe consequences for Europe’s society and economy, the outlines of a ‘post-coronavirus’ era are starting to take shape, with deep implications for the future model of globalisation and our industrial ecosystems. If Europe succeeds to coordinate its short-term response, and to take the ambitious strategic decisions required for the longer term, it may yet be able to achieve a broad-based recovery and to reinforce our industries’ global competitive position in the process.
It is worth recalling that industry plays a crucial role in supporting society’s needs in overcoming this crisis. Europe’s future-oriented technology industries, in particular, will be at the heart of ensuring a sustainable and lasting upturn. That is why we have called on Europe’s leaders to prioritise helping our industries, of which 90% are SMEs, to recover from the current crisis. From ensuring the continued functioning of the Internal Market to unprecedented new funding measures, urgent action is required. The European Green Deal and the Digital agenda must remain the strategic anchors for this effort. In the short term, our industries need to be able to focus all required resources on the immediate challenges of overcoming the crisis. We are therefore calling for a review of the European Commission’s work for 2020, including the current Work Programme, to prioritise those policy actions that directly support the EU’s recovery.
In these strange times of social distancing and isolation, it can be hard to feel connected to family, friends and colleagues. But now more than ever it is important to stay in touch and to keep lines of communication open. Our staff and colleagues are working tirelessly to support our members and partners, and I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to all those who are part of the ongoing effort to ‘shape a future that’s good’ despite the massive challenges we are facing. There is still plenty of rough road ahead – but working together we will come out of the tunnel stronger.
Stay safe!
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