Agriculture & Construction Equipment: European industries boosting a sustainable future for all

CECE and CEMA represent manufacturing industries producing high-technology equipment used in construction and agriculture respectively.

Together, our industries provide jobs to over 600,000 people all over Europe working for, both large multinationals and innovative SMEs. CECE with an annual revenues of ca. EUR40 bn and CEMA with an annual turnover of about EUR40 bn demonstrate the important role our industries play in Europe’s and global economy.

Our industries, like many sectors in Europe, have been experiencing rapid change in the past 20 years. New advances in digital technology are transforming the way we produce, trade and deliver sustainable solutions for the benefit of the environment and EU citizens.

Despite the enormous challenges our industries are committed to keeping high innovation levels and competitive leadership, providing jobs and growth in Europe’s and beyond.

To unlock the full potential of the digital economy and remain competitive in an increasingly globalised market CECE & CEMA call on the EU to focus on the following three policy requests to deliver:

STRONG INDUSTRIAL POLICY

SUSTAINABLE FARMING & CONSTRUCTION

OPEN TRADE AGENDA

By

  • Ensuring EU legislation fits machinery usage and operation based on solid scientific and economic impact assessments.
  • Completing the Single Market by proposing a legislative text for EU harmonised road circulation requirements for non-road mobile machinery such as excavators or combine-harvester.
  • Supporting long-term legislative stability for key internal market areas such as the machinery directive and stay aligned with the specificities and developments of the industry.

“A strong industrial policy needs to be at the heart of any European institution plan for the term 2019 – 2024. Manufacturing industries drive innovation, growth and jobs in Europe. That’s why we need a political and legislative framework that empowers our sectors to remain competitive and master the digital transition to provide the best products and solutions for our customers’ evolving needs.” Enrico Prandini, CECE President

sustainable farming and construction

By

  • Supporting European initiatives to incentivise investment and fleet renewal solutions that bring benefits to users and society, such as Common Agriculture Policy and Investment Plan for Europe.
  • Encouraging machine developments which promote process efficiency to reduce CO2 emissions.
  • Providing EU research funding in the most promising technology areas notably automation, robotics, digital connectivity and AI that can have a positive impact on tackling environmental challenges.

“Today’s European manufacturing industries are committed to deliver technologies than can enhance more sustainable practices in farming and construction. Together, we call on the EU to devise mechanisms to incentivize investments in modern equipment that will bring benefits for users, society and environment.” Anthony van der Ley, CEMA President

open trade agenda

By

  • Promoting global trade and openness by furthering the current system of multi and bi-lateral trade agreements.
  • Strengthening Free Trade Agreements, providing proper information to EU companies about their concrete advantages in export creation.
  • Fostering the export potential of high quality, high-technology, environmentally respectful European farm and construction machinery to increase EU’s market share on the global stage.

“Exporting technology and innovation are the raison d’être of European industries. To make sure our industries remain competitive at the global scale, the EU needs to ensure mutual openness and a level playing field in its trade agreements” Riccardo Viaggi CECE and Jerome Bandry CEMA Secretaries General jointly agreed.

Source: CECE – Committee for European Construction Equipment Press