EEF boss to lead manufacturers in Europe

He will lead the organisation in its discussions with officials at the European Commission and Parliament over the next three years. CEEMET comprises 23 national bodies representing manufacturing across Europe. Together they represent more than 200,000 companies, employing around 35 million people. Scuoler's first duty is to launch CEEMET's European Roadmap at a reception with new MEPs in Strasbourg today. The roadmap sets out proposals to help promote an industrial renaissance across Europe. It aims to support the EU's target of raising manufacturing's contribution to EU GDP from the current 15.1% to 20% by 2020. The roadmap contains specific proposals for reform of the Commission and Parliament to make economic growth and, high skill job creation, a priority. These include: • Fit-for-purpose policies, active leadership and concerted efforts by all stakeholders, ensuring that all EU policies which impact upon manufacturing competitiveness are fully aligned to the 20% objective. • Access to skills-focused and dynamic labour markets, enabling R&D, innovation and job creation. • Improved co-operation between policy makers and industry The proposals include the designation of a European Commissioner responsible for boosting EU policies on competitiveness with annual reporting on progress, as well as strengthening of the Competitiveness Council to scrutinise all proposed legislation to ensure it boosts rather than hinders competitiveness. There would also be far more rigorous impact assessments of legislation, whereby failure to meet rigorous competitiveness tests would mean the proposals having to be re-considered or dismissed. Scuoler, said: "Manufacturing is critical to the future of the European economy, providing the economic growth and high skill jobs we urgently need. But, we cannot go on doing the same things over and over again and expect to see a different result. The recent elections have sent an uncomfortable message to European policymakers that must now be heeded as a matter of urgency. "There is a growing consensus in favour of an industrial renaissance and increased competitiveness across Europe. I hope to support and contribute to future policies that will help deliver this vision."