General information

The 2026 edition of the ECR CoR Group Thematic Activity Seminar will take place on 4 November in Debrecen, Hungary. The event is hosted by Lajos Barcsa, Member of the ECR CoR Group and Deputy Mayor of Debrecen.

The Future of the European Automotive Sector: Competitiveness, Jobs and Global Pressures

Faced with intense global competition, high energy costs, growing regulatory burdens and supply chain vulnerabilities, European automotive industry is under growing pressure to maintain its global competitiveness while safeguarding jobs. This panel discussion will examine the challenges facing Europe's automotive industry at a time of profound transformation, paying particular attention to the impact of the EU's CO2 emission performance standards for cars and vans, including the pace of the transition, its socioeconomic consequences and the need to uphold the principle of technological neutrality.The discussion will explore how Europe can reconcile decarbonisation objectives with industrial competitiveness and the long-term resilience of its automotive ecosystem.

The panellists will also discuss the development of battery and charging ecosystems and infrastructure, and how Europe can strengthen its position as a global leader in the next generation of automotive technologies – from battery electric vehicles to vehicles running on e-fuels and biofuels. Particular attention will be given to regional automotive ecosystems, highlighting how regions and cities can drive innovation, attract investment, support workforce skills and contribute to a competitive and resilient automotive future.

Seminar Programme - 4 November 2025