I+ MANIFESTO

MORE INDUSTRY. SUSTAINABLE. CREATIVE. INCLUSIVE

To have a future that we can believe in, we must be able to imagine it.

European materials processing and manufacturing industry have been an engine of creativity, job creation, growth and inclusiveness. Today, these must also drive sustainability, circularity and carbon neutrality.

We are now at a crossroad. The 4th industrial revolution is already well underway and the options for Europe are clear: either reinvent to lead and thrive or continue with business as usual to follow and decline.

To seize the opportunities created by this rapid transition to new 21st century prosperity in Europe and globally, industries in Europe need to be increasingly agile, adaptable and innovative. This demands a new strategic direction - with ambitions to match - that will restore trust within investors, entrepreneurs, politicians and citizens alike.

The I+ Manifesto is a voluntary initiative by the European aluminium industry. It is designed to inspire Europe’s decision makers to imagine a renewed, refreshed and dynamic industry, promoting action and guiding the debate for the coming political cycle and beyond.

Introduction

Europe is stronger when its industries are innovative, creating new products and services, new business models and partnerships, new jobs and new social realities. The 2008 financial crisis undermined this, weakening both the regional and global contribution of Europe’s sustainable value chains.

It is now time to accept that the economy has changed; recovering to pre-crisis levels can no longer be an objective for a forward-thinking economy. The goal of a truly sustainable economy and industry by mid-century requires a transformation that both creates new industries and renews our existing industrial base and assets making them more competitive. We should now aim to fundamentally change how we design policy, creating the conditions that will allow our industries to shine and become the most innovative economy in the world.

Achieving this is an ambitious but realistic goal, one that will require strong political decisions combined with genuine ambitions and true vision from industrial leaders.

I+ is based on five simple principles & calls to action

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PRINCIPLES

A complete and functioning European Single Market – that works for people, goods as well as energy - is the single most important driver of a revitalised industry.
Favourable and stable framework conditions are needed for companies to compete at global level, invest, innovate and digitalise, switching to the industry of the future.
Fair and free trade, with a modern investment policy, to ensure industry produces and operates in Europe and at the same time competes on a global level playing field.
High availability of skilled women and men – both apprentices and experienced workers offered life-long learning opportunities - is a prerequisite for transforming our industries.
The European economy must rapidly transition to carbon neutrality, greater resource efficiency and circularity and more equally shared benefits of growth. Achieving this is possible through an integrated approach to industrial modernisation that harnesses all of the above, as part of the EU’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Developments Goals.

CALLS TO ACTION

01

Define a new European governance to coordinate industrial policies

We call for a bold and fully-fledged EU industrial strategy with its vision and goals rooted in its wider strategy of sustainable development and commitments under the Paris Agreement. The strategy should aim to coordinate regional, national and European policy efforts. A new governance approach between the different decision-making levels should help to define competencies and be instrumental in meeting EU industrial performance goals by 2030 and 2050. This should define and agree on clear, measurable targets with common goals for the EU and specific goals for each Member State. The Commission should appoint a High-Level Industry Coordinator for 2019-2024.

02

Identify strategic value chains in Europe

We call on the EU authorities to recognise strategic value chains that are instrumental for Europe in accelerating its transition to a sustainable economy. There should be tailor-made policies and incentives defined for these strategic value chains. These should reflect their importance to society and positive impact on Europe’s sustainable development while strengthening their competitiveness.

03

Include a specific EU Industry 4.0 fund in Framework Programme 9 "Horizon Europe", focused on regional value chains

Large-scale breakthrough pilot projects require considerable upfront capital investment. The EU should earmark a significant, specific fund (EU 4.0) that empowers it to drive long-term technological transition in the regional ecosystems of large industries, SME’s and research institutions.

04

Establish a new EU forum allowing business leaders to contribute to determine an Industry 2050 Roadmap, in line with EU commitments under the Paris Agreement

Create a new forum to define the Industry 2050 Roadmap for Europe. This should engage high-level policy makers, industrial leaders and representatives from all other relevant stakeholder groups. In considering an integrated industrial modernisation strategy, it should address sectoral policies holistically, embracing trade, climate change, public procurement, the circular economy and innovation.

05

Make it attractive for industry to invest in Europe

Extend the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) to mobilise further private investment. At the same time, promote a culture willing to embrace greater risk while providing adequate guarantees and ensuring financial stability for long-term investments.

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