EU: the Commission wants to put the industry back at the center of development and European growth

The communication adopted yesterday starts with the following observation: the financial and economic crisis has brought focus back on the fundamental importance of a strong, competitive and diversified manufacturing industrial value for competitiveness and job creation in the EU. Indeed, “industrial policy is the labor world’s greatest ally” declared Antonio Tajani, who was responsible for supervising this document, which is a flagship of the EU’s new strategy for competitiveness and growth, “Europe 2020.”  He thinks that, if this “document of political programming” is complied with, 5 million jobs will be created by 2020, 3 million of which in SMEs.  Today, the industry accounts for one in four jobs, and one in four indirect jobs.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

omic crisis has brought focus back on the fundamental importance of a strong, competitive and diversified manufacturing industrial value for competitiveness and job creation in the EU. Indeed, “industrial policy is the labor world’s greatest ally” declared Antonio Tajani, who was responsible for supervising this document, which is a flagship of the EU’s new strategy for competitiveness and growth, “Europe 2020.” He thinks that, if this “document of political programming” is complied with, 5 mi

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: La Poste signs first agreement on older workers
On 28 January, La Poste signed an initial agreement with three trade unions (CFDT, CGT, FO) on senior employees, focusing in particular on quality of life at work, skills transfer, and equal...
EU: trade unions express concern over 28th legal regime for companies
The proposed “28th regime” — a single European legal framework for innovative companies — was discussed at the informal European Council on 12 February. “We all agree...
13 February 2026
France: Orano steps up efforts to support sick employees
Nuclear fuel cycle corporation Orano has signed a quality of life and working conditions agreement with unions aimed at strengthening support for employees facing illness. The deal, concluded on 5...
EU: Parliament backs regulation of subcontracting chains
On 12 February, the European Parliament adopted the Danielsson report on subcontracting chains by 332 votes to 209. The text recognises that the use of subcontracting, particularly for activities...
12 February 2026
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
2026 TRENDS — Tackling skills shortages and mismatches
mind HR is analysing the trends that will shape 2026. Skills shortages have become a central challenge for businesses, reflecting deep-seated shifts in the labour market as roles evolve rapidly...
2
France: Medef publishes guide to support career transitions and retraining
France's largest employer federation Medef has provided its regional representatives with a practical guide designed to support career transitions and retraining. Structured around three key tools...
6 February 2026
3
EU: Commission wants to facilitate entry of international ‘talent’
In a recommendation published on 29 January, the European Commission calls on member states to take a series of measures to attract and retain international talent. It targets holders of skilled...
4
France: 2026 budget expected to maintain employer contribution relief
On 19 January 2026, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu decided to invoke Article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass France's 2026 budget without a vote in the National Assembly. Three days...
5
EU: Cyprus unveils its six-month presidency programme
Cyprus has set out its priorities for its six-month presidency of the Council of the EU. On the social front, the centre-right government will focus on the Union of Skills, which aims to boost...
6
Informal economy and slow wage growth hamper decent work, ILO says
The International Labour Organisation published its Employment ans Social Trends 2026 on 14 January. It anticipates unemployment stabilising in 2026 and employment growth of 1%, driven by...