This was the message that José Antonio Nieto, president of Euroipean construction equipment association CECE, gave in his opening address at the CECE Congress 2024 that was held in Madrid on October 23-25.
The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers and key stakeholders to discuss the future of the European construction equipment sector under the overarching theme of Europe's reindustrialisation. The event aimed to shed light on the opportunities as opposed to challenges in revitalising Europe’s industrial landscape.
Nieto told attendees: “Creating the enabling conditions for this must be the top priority of the new European Commission, also inspired by the Draghi Report.”
He also expressed CECE's call for the construction equipment sector to be recognized as a key enabler of industrial revival in the new Clean Industrial Deal. This discussion becomes especially timely with the confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate, and most notably of Stéphane Séjourné, executive vice-president for prosperity and industrial strategy, taking place in mid-November.
The construction equipment sector can help lead the green and digital transitions, driving and facilitating advancements to enhance productivity and sustainability both in its own industry and others.
Throughout the event, Mario Draghi’s report was highlighted as a significant contribution to the discussion on industry's productivity. The discussion emphasised the transformative role of digital tools, including AI. Regularly mentioned as a key driver, AI has been recognised for boosting innovation and creativity, both of which are crucial in the race to attract and nurture top talent. Furthermore, the event provided valuable insights into how Europe can address demographic challenges and navigate generational changes, offering strategies to ensure long-term competitiveness and adaptability in a rapidly evolving landscape.
The afternoon saw a lively panel discussion on what Europe needs to achieve sustainable reindustrialization. Prominent speakers, including Ana Londoño Botero, Advisor External Affairs of Rio Tinto, Tora Leifland, Head of Public Affairs for Volvo Construction Equipment, Pierre-Nicola Fovini, CEO of Finanzauto, Javier Ormazabal, President of Orgalim, Tim Burnhope, CECE Vice-President offered diverse perspectives on the challenges facing Europe’s industrial sectors. The panel discussed Europe’s path to sustainable industrial growth, focusing on the crucial role of critical raw materials, the importance of clean technologies and the significance of cross-sector collaboration – themes which are of the upmost concern for CECE Mining.
The Congress reaffirmed the importance of the construction equipment sector in driving innovation, sustainability, and growth, in alignment with Europe’s broader reindustrialisation goals.
