Dear colleagues,

Europe's industry once again took centre stage this February with the EU Industry Days. During four days of discussions, one clear message stood out for me: industry can – and should – lead the much-needed green and digital transition. And Orgalim responded "present". With our contribution to six sessions, Europe's technology industries showcased the role we play in enabling the digital and green transition, and making Europe's industrial strategy a success. This competitive sustainability can only be achieved with the right policy framework: European industry needs open, competitive markets, and a global level playing field. Read our key highlights of the EU Industry Days here.

The Industry Days were also a great opportunity to shed light on the importance of Advanced Manufacturing for European industry's global competitiveness. In case you couldn't join our session on accelerating the uptake of Advanced Manufacturing, here are my takeaways: 1) Europe is in pole position to lead the global manufacturing transformation; 2) the potential environmental, social and competitiveness gains deriving from the uptake of Advanced Manufacturing are huge; 3) we already have the tech, now we must get it into the field; 4) this transformation will require new approaches, from standards to data sharing; 5) China and the United States have fully realised the competitive implications and are catching up fast – there is no time to be complacent. Our Executive Forum for Advanced Manufacturing, which has just appointed Matthias Bölke as its Chair, will be laser focused on this agenda.

With February almost behind us, our eyes are set on the next batch of major policy initiatives. We are kicking off the month of March with a virtual discussion on the EU Taxonomy, in collaboration with the European Parliament Intergroup on "Sustainable, Long Term Investments & Competitive Industry". We are also finalising preparations for our spring General Assembly in Sweden, where we will finally be able to meet in person again for a fully packed programme.

And on that subject, as those of you in the EU bubble will know, Brussels is finally "going back to the office". We are rediscovering what we have missed the most of our workplace: spending quality time with our colleagues. In that spirit, I look forward to many long overdue opportunities to meet again.

Take care,