Pandele: Europe must protect its automotive industry while making the green transition fair for all regions

The EU must strengthen its automotive industry, support local supply chains and make clean mobility affordable for ordinary families, European Alliance member Cosmina Pandele told the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) plenary on 14 October.

Speaking during a debate with Brigitte Torloting, Chair of the Automotive Regions Alliance and Vice-President of France’s Grand Est region, Cosmina Pandele stressed that Europe’s automotive transition must protect jobs, support regional economies and leave no community behind.

Coming from Berceni, a commune near Ploiești in Romania, Ms Pandele highlighted the importance of the automotive sector for local businesses, workers and their families.

“We cannot build a greener Europe by making European industry weaker,” she said.

Ms Pandele outlined three priorities for the future of Europe’s automotive industry.

First, EU support must reach beyond major car manufacturers to include smaller suppliers, local businesses, training centres and workers. Strengthening the entire supply chain is essential to protecting jobs and keeping European industry competitive.

Second, the transition to electric mobility must benefit all regions, not only wealthy cities and countries. This means investing in charging infrastructure in smaller communities and supporting European production of the equipment and components needed for the transition.

Third, clean mobility must become more affordable for ordinary families. With new electric vehicles still beyond the reach of many households, Ms Pandele called for a stronger second-hand electric car market, with reliable information on battery condition and warranties.

Drawing on her experience as mayor of Berceni, Ms Pandele insisted that local and regional authorities must be involved in shaping EU industrial and climate policies from the outset, rather than simply implementing decisions taken elsewhere.

“Europe must produce more of what Europe needs,” she concluded. “We should not have to choose between a cleaner Europe and a stronger European economy. We need both. And every European region deserves to be part of that future.”