The Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, has claimed in the Competitiveness Council held in Bruselas The elimination of barriers in the internal market to strengthen European industry. The aim is to simplify procedures and boost key sectors in the face of global competition.
Internal market integration and support for SMEs
During his speech, the Minister Jordi Hereu has reaffirmed the commitment of Government of Spain with a robust industrial Europe. The Spanish strategy involves eliminating the obstacles that hinder the growth of the SMEswhich represent more than 99% of the business fabric of the Unión Europea and employ more than 85 million citizens.
Spain is betting on a "open strategic autonomy"which would allow the bloc to be a magnet for investment without sacrificing the benefits of international trade. In this context, the minister emphasized the importance of strategic sectors such as steel, the automotive, chemical sector and renewable energy.
| Indicator / Sector | Impact / Scope |
|---|---|
| Representation of SMEs in the UE | > 99% of the industrial fabric |
| Employment generated by SMEs | 85 million citizens |
| Key Priority Sectors | Steel, Automotive, Chemical, Renewables |
| Meeting Date Friends of Industry | February 25 |
"Made in Europe" initiative and local content
Regarding the proposal «Made in Europe»The Ministry of Industry maintains a cautious approach. Jordi Hereu He indicated that the final proposal is expected from Comisión Europea to assess the real commercial impact, advocating for graduated contribution thresholds according to the maturity of each sector.
However, the minister emphasized that España It already applies criteria of local content through the program auto+Through this initiative, electric vehicles assembled in Europa They receive higher subsidies than those imported from third countries, thus incentivizing regional production.
- Regulatory simplification: Reducing bureaucracy to improve business agility.
- European Competitiveness Fund: Creation of a financial instrument for strategic autonomy.
- Sustainable Transition: Boost to Spain Tourism Strategy 2030.
Social dialogue and international cooperation
During the council meeting, the minister held a meeting with IndustriALL Global Union, an organization that represents 50 million workers. Jordi Hereu He emphasized that "Any debate or progress must always include the voice and perspective of the workers.".
He also participated in the meeting of Friends of Industry together with representatives of Francia, Alemania e Italia to check it Berlin DeclarationFinally, together with the Secretary of State for Tourism, Rosario SánchezHe met with the commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas to present the progress in sustainable tourism approved in October 2025.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the Competitiveness Council
Which sectors does Spain consider priorities for European industry?
The Government highlights steel, automotive, chemical industries and renewable energies as key pillars for reducing external dependence and strengthening the autonomy of the UE.
What is the weight of SMEs in the European economy according to the Ministry?
Small and medium-sized enterprises constitute more than 99% of the industrial fabric of the Unión Europea and are responsible for providing employment to more than 85 million people.
What does the Auto+ program mentioned by the minister consist of?
It is a program of aid for the purchase of electrified vehicles that applies the concept of local content, giving greater benefits to vehicles assembled in European territory compared to imports.
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