A new discussion group on mechanical engineering, “EnginEurope”, will assess the competitiveness challenges of Europe’s enabling industry and analyze how mechanical engineering can continue to fully exploit and further develop its potential. It its Communication on Industrial Policy, presented on 5th October 2005[1], the Commission had warned that the current strong performance of this sector may be challenged because of the increased international competition, low investment levels and reduced R&D expenditure, both private and public. This is why the Commission has invited industry, Member States and trade unions to set up the “EnginEurope” group with the aim to initiate a dialogue on the challenges the sector is faced with: They mainly relate to innovation, intellectual property protection, and ensuring the availability of high skilled personnel. Better access to international markets is also essential.

Following the group’s first meeting in Brussels on 9th February 2006, Vice-President Günter Verheugen responsible for enterprise and industry policy said: “EnginEurope will examine the strengths and weaknesses of Europe’s important mechanical engineering industry. We need new ideas and concepts to promote its competitiveness and to maintain the high level of employment in the mechanical industry in the EU.”

Mechanical engineering is a large industrial sector, directly employing 2,4 million people in 23.000 companies (with 20 or more employees) and a world leader with 41% of the world’s market. EnginEurope will analyze the mechanical engineering industry and anticipate how any challenges could be addressed as early as possible. EnginEurope will assess the conditions that Mechanical Engineering will face in 10 years from today and propose measures in the areas of market access and protection of intellectual property rights, availability of skilled technicians and engineers, research and innovation and the definition of Europe’s future strategic and technological base.

The Group brings together industrialists, representatives of 6 Member States, trade unions and academics. It is chaired by Professor Fritz Klocke, Head of the mechanical engineering department of Aachen Technical University (RWTH).

The new EU industrial policy laid down in the Commission Communication on industrial policy complements work at Member State level to support a strong and dynamic industrial base. As an essential part of the industrial fabric of Europe, Mechanical Engineering is one of the key industry sectors that will facilitate the delivery of the objectives of the revised Growth and Jobs initiative.

The group shall present a report to the Commission early 2007.