Hereu advocates for a barrier-free European internal market with financial instruments to strengthen sectors and SMEs

The Minister for Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, upon his arrival at the Competitiveness Council held in Brussels

The minister emphasised the commitment to a strong industrial Europe, with instruments that reduce external dependencies and strengthen key sectors such as steel, automotive, chemicals, and renewable energy. Spain supports the creation of the European Competitiveness Fund, designed to strengthen the EU's strategic autonomy.

This fund, in the minister's words, must take into account SMEs, the true economic engine of Europe, as they represent more than 99% of the European industrial fabric and employ more than 85 million European citizens.

Regarding the "Made in Europe" proposal, Hereu noted that this initiative is being analysed, pending the European Commission's final proposal, to fully understand its commercial impact. The Ministry of Industry and Tourism advocates a prudent approach, with graduated thresholds for European contribution, but always considering the sector's maturity and its dependence on external markets.

For Spain, creating added value in Europe is crucial, without forgoing the positive effects of trade with third countries. Spain is committed to open strategic autonomy, with one of its objectives being to remain an attractive destination for investment.

The Ministry of Industry is already implementing the concept of local content. This is the Auto+ programme, which provides subsidies for the purchase of electric vehicles. Vehicles assembled in Europe now receive more subsidies than those imported from third countries.

Trade Unions, Friends of Industry and Tzitzikostas

Within the framework of this Competitiveness Council, Minister Hereu met with IndustriALL Global Union (which represents 50 million workers in the mining, energy, and industrial sectors in 130 countries) to reiterate that any debate or progress must always include the voice and perspective of workers.

Furthermore, the Minister participated on 25 February in another meeting of Friends of Industry, the informal group of ministers from member states led by France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. This meeting reviewed the progress made on the Berlin Declaration.

Finally, Minister Hereu, along with the Secretary of State for Tourism, Rosario Sánchez, held a working meeting with the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, in which they highlighted the work led by Spain to transform the sector towards a more sustainable model. Specifically, the meeting was used to present the commissioner with the Spain Tourism 2030 Strategy, approved by the Government of Spain in October 2025.

Non official translation