EU to start strategic dialogue to consider auto industry support measures

The European Union said on Thursday it will begin a dialogue in January with automakers and others to consider new support measures for Europe's struggling car industry.

The Commission said the dialogue will design concrete strategies to support the global competitiveness of automakers amid technological advancements in areas such as EVs and autonomous driving.

It says items on the agenda include support measures for the auto sector's decarbonization and employment-related issues.

The EU's regulations on carbon dioxide emissions for vehicles will become stricter from next year.

But industry associations are calling for a review, arguing that it will be difficult for automakers to meet these regulations due to the sluggish demand for EVs.

The strategic dialogue is expected to address this issue as well. Von der Leyen said the auto industry is a European pride and the EU needs to support it.