Post by Kekst CNC

As Europe rethinks its economic model amid rising geopolitical tensions, trade pressures and growing competition, one question is moving to the top of the policy agenda: what should the next chapter of EU industrial policy look like? Kekst CNC recently welcomed clients and stakeholders to our Brussels office for a breakfast discussion exploring whether Europe is moving toward a new industrial policy paradigm. We were delighted to be joined by Damien Levie (European Commission, DG TRADE), Andreas Stylianou (Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the EU) and Sara Franzone (EUROFER), who shared perspectives from EU institutions, national government and industry. The conversation examined the EU’s evolving approach to trade and industrial policy, including the growing role of economic security measures, the balance between openness and strategic autonomy, and the implications of tools such as FDI screening, foreign subsidies rules and the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act. Participants also reflected on Europe’s position in an increasingly complex global trading environment and its economic relationships with key partners, including the United States and China. Thank you to our panellists and all those who joined us for a thoughtful and engaging discussion on one of the defining policy debates facing Europe today.