The leaders of Italy, France, and Germany are preparing to send a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, advocating for urgent measures aimed at enhancing investment across the EU and supporting the automotive industry. Their collaborative initiative signals a unified approach to addressing key economic challenges faced by member states.
Joint objectives for the automotive sector
According to reports from Italian daily La Repubblica, the three leaders—Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni, and Friedrich Merz—have aligned on several key objectives that they intend to present in their forthcoming communication to the Commission president. Central to their agenda is a call for dedicated financial instruments to assist the automotive sector in transitioning towards technological neutrality.
This initiative was highlighted by Meloni during her address to the Italian parliament in late June, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to strengthen Europe’s industrial base. The push was also featured in POLITICO’s Morning Mobility newsletter, underscoring the importance of this trio’s commitment to reshaping the future of the automotive industry.
Broader investment strategy and ongoing negotiations
Beyond the automotive sector, the leaders are expected to advocate for increased investments in innovation, defense, and space exploration, as well as measures to manage rising energy prices. These multifaceted goals reflect a comprehensive approach to bolstering the EU’s competitiveness on the global stage.
However, there are still some unresolved issues within this collective push. France is inclined to request specific incentives for electric vehicles, a position that has met with caution from Germany. Additionally, discussions are ongoing regarding whether to mention the Mercosur trade agreement in their letter, indicating a need for consensus among the three countries.
“The collaborative initiative signals a unified approach to addressing key economic challenges faced by member states.”
The outcomes of these negotiations will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of the proposed actions and the overall impact on the EU’s economic landscape.