Internationalisation
In March 2025, the European Commission presented a comprehensive action plan to support the automotive industry. The aim is to support the industry in its transformation towards climate-friendly mobility and digital innovation. In particular, this involves the transition to electromobility, securing jobs and strengthening international competitiveness.
The plan includes measures to stabilise supply chains, promote sustainable technologies and improve the framework conditions for investment. The EU is focusing on targeted funding programmes to drive research and innovation, particularly in the area of battery production and hydrogen technologies. Training programmes for the workforce also play a key role in preparing employees for new requirements.
Commenting on the action plan for the European automotive industry presented by the European Commission, Minister President Winfried Kretschmann said: ‘The action plan takes up key demands from Baden-Württemberg. We have long campaigned for the review of the CO2 fleet limits for cars and lorries to be brought forward. The flexibility of penalty payments in the car sector is an important signal. We also need this clarity in the next step for the lorry sector. At the same time, I very much welcome the fact that the European Commission is clearly focussing on innovation. We must do everything we can to ensure that the connected and automated car rolls off the production line in Baden-Württemberg, Germany and Europe.’
As one of the most important automotive centres in Europe, Baden-Württemberg is particularly affected by the planned measures. Minister President Winfried Kretschmann emphasises the role of effective dialogue formats. The Baden-Württemberg strategic dialogue on the automotive industry and its counterpart at EU level are central platforms for bringing together all relevant players and ensuring the competitiveness of the automotive industry. He welcomed the continuation of the strategic dialogue at European level and emphasised that Baden-Württemberg would continue to play an active role. The goal remains the decarbonisation of mobility, whereby various technological paths to achieving this goal should remain open.
The state government of Baden-Württemberg is involved in the European Commission's strategy dialogue and has submitted a 10-point plan to the EU Commission.
The action plan will now be further expanded and coordinated with the EU member states and industry. The aim is to develop long-term strategies that take into account both economic and environmental aspects. The measures are to be implemented gradually, with the first results already becoming visible in the coming years.
Source: Press release by the State Ministry of Baden-Württemberg, Press release by the European Commission