A Call to Action Against Deindustrialisation in Europe

At the World Economic Forum in Davos in late January, European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen presented the EC’s plans for the Clean Industrial Deal (CID), which will be officially announced on February 26. This deal will cover six key areas – from the labour market and skills to energy prices and trade policy.

However, IndustriAll Europe emphasises that European workers demand more than just rhetoric about quality jobs – they need real action. Europe is facing a deep crisis caused by:
🔹 Poor corporate decision-making;
🔹 A slowdown in investment;
🔹 The lack of a clear European industrial strategy.

In recent months, over 100,000 job cuts have been announced in industrial sectors, with some industries experiencing conditions worse than during the global financial crisis.

There is no time for delay – the CID must focus on protecting workers, safeguarding jobs, and investing in retraining and upskilling. This can only be achieved by integrating mandatory social conditions into all industrial investments.

But to ensure that the voice of industrial workers is heard, solidarity and action are essential.

February 5 Demonstration in Brussels

On February 5, IndustriAll Europe representatives from across Europe gathered in Brussels to demand an active and sustainable industrial policy. Among them was Birutė Daškevičienė, Chair of the Achema Workers’ Trade Union and representative of the Lithuanian Industry Trade Union Federation.

The European Commission and national governments must address short-term problems while keeping long-term challenges in focus. Quick and unsustainable solutions will only harm European industry further.

Industry is the backbone of Europe’s economy – we demand:

🔹 A comprehensive industrial investment plan;
🔹 A clear rejection of ineffective austerity policies, which only deepen the crisis;
🔹 A distinct European industrial strategy, independent of both China and the US, that enables Europe to regain control of its economy through investment, innovation, research, and development.

This plan must include:

• Just Transition guidelines to ensure training and reskilling for a fair shift to sustainable industries;
• Social conditions attached to all public investments;
• The right to affordable, clean energy both at home and in the workplace;
• Stronger collective bargaining and worker representation;
• Fair supply chains, ensuring responsible procurement policies and respect for human rights.

We cannot reform an industry we have already lost. The time to act is now – let’s unite before it’s too late!