Europe’s reindustrialisation must build on regional strengths and local value chains, local leaders say from Valencia

Strengthening Europe’s reindustrialisation requires a place-based approach that builds on regional industrial specialisations, supports local value chains and ensures that all territories can contribute to the EU’s economic transformation. This was one of the key messages discussed at the external seminar of the European Committee of the Regions’ (CoR) Commission for Economic Policy (ECON) on 23 October in Valencia.

The seminar was jointly organised by the CoR and the government of Valencia and brought together local and regional authorities as well as experts to discuss how European industrial policy can be translated into concrete investments that consider the specific circumstances of each European region. Participants highlighted the importance of multilevel cooperation between Member States, regions, cities and industrial ecosystems to ensure that growth does not widen territorial disparities but instead supports regions undergoing industrial transition and strengthens Europe’s economic resilience. They also stressed that new industrial investment in Europe should be assessed not only in terms of its financial volume, but also according to its ability to generate value within its territory. Europe’s reindustrialisation must build on the strengths and needs of its regions, supported by closer cooperation between public authorities, businesses, workers and research centres. They called for local and regional authorities to be fully involved in the design and implementation of European industrial policies, given their in-depth knowledge of their territories.

This call comes at a particularly important time, as negotiations on the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) are under way. The CoR maintains its firm and unanimous opposition to the proposal, citing concerns about the centralisation and renationalisation of EU funding.

Participants also stressed the importance of strengthening links between local and regional industrial ecosystems and education systems, universities and technology centres to drive innovation and enhance Europe’s competitiveness. They called for SMEs to be placed at the heart of industrial policy and urged a shift from strategic debate to concrete action, with tangible results that strengthen Europe’s industrial base and reinforce the European Union’s strategic autonomy. The discussions also highlighted the need for closer cooperation between regions, with the CoR serving as a platform to foster collaboration and ensure that territorial priorities are reflected in European policymaking.

Following the seminar, participants visited Industrias Alegre in Albal, Valencia. This company was among those most severely affected by the October 2024 DANA floods. Since then, the automotive supplier has returned to the forefront of advanced manufacturing, demonstrating how resilience, innovation and a long-term strategic vision can turn a crisis into an opportunity for industrial renewal.

Quotes

Alberto Cirio (IT/EPP), President of the Piedmont Region and Chair of the CoR Commission for Economic Policy (ECON): “Europe’s reindustrialisation must be based on the strengths and needs of its regions. This requires closer cooperation between all levels of government, businesses, workers and research institutions to boost investment, competitiveness and skills. Reindustrialisation must also strengthen territorial cohesion, create quality jobs and ensure that no region is left behind. Local and regional authorities know their territories best and must be fully involved in the design and implementation of European industrial policies.”

Ruth Merino (ES/EPP), Regional Vice-minister for the Representation to the European Union of the Government of the Region of Valencia and member of the ECON Commission: “Valencia’s experience can make an important contribution to the European debate. Extreme weather events in recent years have shown how severely they can affect businesses and disrupt economic activity across a region. Europe’s reindustrialisation must take these challenges into account. It is not enough to attract new investment; we must also safeguard existing businesses and strengthen their ability to withstand future crises. Europe’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy depend, in part, on the resilience of its regions.”

Marián Cano, Regional Minister for Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism of the Government of the Region of Valencia: "The major task for the coming decade is to move from an industrial policy designed around sectors to one that fully incorporates the territorial dimension. Europe will be more competitive if it makes full use of the experience, innovative capacity and transformative potential of its territories.”

More information

• Photos of the seminar.
• CoR opinion on the Industrial Accelerator Act by rapporteur Willy Borsus (BE/Renew), Member of the Municipal Council of the City of Marche-En-Famenne, adopted during the CoR plenary session on 14 October.

Contact

Víctor Moreno Morales de Setién
Tel. +32 475999662
victor.morenomoralesdesetien@cor.europa.eu

Theresa Sostmann
Tel. +32 475999415
theresa.sostmann@cor.europa.eu