On 27 October, the European Economic and Social Committee’s (EESC) Consultative Commission on Industrial Change (CCMI) held a roundtable discussion in Vilnius entitled “Developing Industrial Capacity for Autonomous Systems in Europe, Including Drones, Robotics and Related Technologies.” The event addressed issues related to Europe’s industrial capacity, innovation ecosystems and the development of strategic technologies, all of which are essential to Europe’s competitiveness and economic resilience.
The discussion took place as part of the extraordinary meeting of the CCMI Bureau in Vilnius, in preparation for Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2027.
The Lithuanian Industry Trade Union Federation was represented at the meeting by its President, Dalia Jakutavičė, and Vice-President, Jurga Subačiūtė-Žemaitienė, ensuring that the voices of Lithuanian industrial workers are heard in the discussions.
Industrial competitiveness – one of Lithuania’s Presidency priorities
Lithuania will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 January 2027. Key priorities include strengthening European security and defence, including support for Ukraine; enhancing the EU’s competitiveness and economic resilience; strengthening internal security and crisis preparedness; reinforcing social protection; and advancing EU enlargement.
Industrial development and technological innovation are particularly important for strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, reducing strategic dependencies on other regions of the world and ensuring that Europe has the technological and manufacturing capacities it needs.
The roundtable was opened by Alain Coheur, President of the CCMI. Ugnė Širvinskaitė, Head of the Innovation Policy Group at the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania, delivered the introductory remarks on Lithuania’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The first panel focused on industrial capacity and innovation ecosystems, while the second explored the practical applications of autonomous systems and pathways for industrial transformation across different sectors.
Drones, robotics and other autonomous systems are becoming increasingly important in industry, transport and defence. Their development raises questions not only about investment, innovation and manufacturing capacity, but also about future changes in employment, workers’ skills and their preparedness to work with new technologies.
Technological transformation must include workers
Industrial modernisation is inseparable from involving workers in planning for change, ensuring that they are adequately prepared for new tasks, and providing opportunities for upskilling and reskilling. Discussions about the future of European industry must therefore consider not only the economic benefits of new technologies, but also their impact on jobs, working conditions and workers’ safety.
The participation of trade unions in such discussions helps ensure that workers’ perspectives are taken into account in shaping industrial policy. It also reinforces the message that a competitive industrial sector must be built not only on technological progress, but also on quality jobs and effective social dialogue.
The Vilnius roundtable provided an opportunity for representatives from different fields to exchange views on the future of European industry and the challenges that will be particularly relevant as Lithuania prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU.
