“Regions and municipalities are not just implementing EU industrial policy — we are shaping it on the ground. From supporting innovation to securing local supply chains and skills, local and regional authorities are central to building a resilient and competitive European industry. During today’s debate in Rzeszów, it was clear that strategic autonomy and green transition will only succeed if we put local strengths and regional diversity at the core of EU policymaking. We must think, and work, place based.” William Elofsson, Second Deputy Mayor of Gävle Municipality (Sweden), Rapporteur on the Clean Industrial Deal and member of the EPP-CoR Group made these remarks during a high-level panel debate titled “The Role of Regions in Strengthening European Industry,” held as part of the EU Industry Days 2025 in Rzeszów, Poland. The event was co-organised by the European Committee of the Regions and the Podkarpackie Region, gathering local and regional leaders to explore how territories are essential partners in the EU’s industrial future.
The panel brought together stakeholders from local governments, industry experts, and EU institutions to discuss how to fortify Europe’s industrial resilience through regional engagement. Key discussion points included:
- Making EU industrial policy more place-based and competitive;
- Exploring the contribution of EU funding to support industrial transitions and innovation at regional level;
- Enhancing the resilience of regions, particularly those on the EU's Eastern borders, through adaptive industrial strategies;
- Highlighting the strategic role of defence and dual-use technology sectors in regional growth and innovation.
Elofsson emphasized that Europe's green and industrial transitions must be tailored to leverage local assets and capacities, reaffirming that regional diversity is a strength to be harnessed, not a challenge to be managed.
On the sidelines of the Rzeszów event, Mr. Elofsson held bilateral meetings with key stakeholders, including representatives from the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and Mr. Butters from Eurochambres. These meetings addressed the social and business dimensions of the green and industrial transitions, reinforcing the need for inclusive and economically sound approaches to systemic change.
