France and Italy Unite for New ‘Made in Europe’ Industrial Push

French Economy Minister Eric Lombard and Industry Minister Marc Ferracci met with Italian Minister for Businesses Adolfo Urso on September 30, 2024, in Paris to discuss a significant industrial collaboration promoting products labeled ‘Made in Europe.’ This meeting signals a strategic partnership aimed at boosting the competitiveness of European manufacturing.

Objectives of the France-Italy Industrial Collaboration

The ministers focused on several key goals to strengthen the European market and foster economic growth:

• Create a common framework encouraging businesses in both nations to invest in local production.
• Reduce dependency on external supply chains and improve market resilience.
• Establish joint ventures and technology exchanges, particularly in automotive, fashion, and high-tech manufacturing sectors.
• Align standards and certification processes under the ‘Made in Europe’ label to enhance consumer confidence and boost exports worldwide.

Statements from the Ministers

Minister Urso highlighted the importance of close cooperation: “Collaborating closely with France allows us to create strong and competitive European industries. We want to support our entrepreneurs and protect our economic sovereignty.”

Minister Lombard addressed the challenges faced by European industries: “Our goal is to turn these challenges into opportunities by uniting our efforts. This ‘Made in Europe’ commitment is a step toward more self-reliant and sustainable economies.”

Additional Partnership Plans

The collaboration also includes:

• Investments in research and development focusing on green technologies and digital transformation.
• Formation of a joint task force to monitor progress and facilitate cooperation between companies, government agencies, and industry organizations.
• Efforts to remove barriers and provide financial incentives for collaborative projects.

The ‘Made in Europe’ initiative marks a new chapter in Franco-Italian relations, aiming to inspire other EU countries. Together, France and Italy seek to strengthen the European Union’s global market position and create new opportunities for their citizens.

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