Europe cannot afford an industrial strategy that is only for the few

Photo source:  EC - Audiovisual Service

In today’s State of the Union speech, President von der Leyen spoke of protecting industry and boosting “Made in Europe.” But once again, the EU’s industrial strategy overlooks large parts of its ecosystem, including sectors like home appliances that are essential to resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness.

This gap is clear in the newly announced roadmap to complete the Single Market by 2028 outlining plans for progress in capital, services, energy, and telecoms, while leaving out consumer goods, including home appliances. Meanwhile, our industry continues to face significant national barriers that restrict cross-border trade and limit consumer access.

But the disconnect extends further. The President rightly positioned the circular economy as “the only answer” to securing material independence, calling it central to reducing dependencies and fostering global frontrunner sectors. She urged fast progress on the Circular Economy Act and support for industries ready to deliver. The home appliance industry is already a leader in circular design, repairability, recyclability, and resource efficiency, yet it was nowhere mentioned.

"Strategic autonomy starts at home. Leaving out large parts of Europe's industrial base, like home appliances, contradicts today's message of protecting EU industry and production", highlighted APPLiA's Director General, Paolo Falcioni.

If Europe is serious about resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability, it must stop sidelining key sectors that are already delivering on these objectives. The EU’s industrial strategy must reflect the full breadth of its industrial strength or risk falling short of its own vision.