Market & IndustrySmart
EU auto industry needs a strategy, not more protection
Brussels should help the sector transform, instead of sheltering it behind barriers that could slow innovation and competitiveness.
22 September 2026 1 min read 5 views
The European car industry is under pressure from electrification, Chinese competition and high costs. According to Bruegel, the answer should not be a blind defense of the old model, but a clear industrial plan to manage the transition.
For Italy, where cars still support jobs and supply chains, the issue is not protecting traditional models, but speeding up work on batteries, software and new skills. Without investment and stable rules, Europe risks chasing rivals instead of setting the pace.