Europe’s Industries Under Strain

Europe’s industries are under pressure from technological shifts, austerity policies, global competition, geopolitical instability, and the rise of far-right forces. It is no exaggeration to say that Europe stands at a crossroads.

In this context, our role as trade unions is vital to ensure that progress is not lost and it is equitable and sustainable.
Digitalisation, automation, decarbonisation, and the COVID-19 pandemic are reshaping industries and have accelerated many transitions, revealing weak spots in supply chains and workforce adaptability.

In the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine (2022), energy prices have spiked, undermining energy-intensive production and fuelling a cost-of-living crisis that is squeezing working families and factories alike.

Deindustrialisation, Job Losses & Restructuring

Between 2019 and 2023, nearly one million manufacturing jobs were lost across Europe, reflecting a deeper trend of industrial decline. Corporate restructuring is now at a historic high.

Estimates suggest that up to 25% of European industrial firms may soon face major restructuring, putting entire value chains and regional economies at risk. Factories are delaying investment; communities are being destabilised; and social cohesion is under threat.
Judith Kirton-Darling delivered a clear message: Europe cannot afford to lose its industries. As trade unions, we are fighting not only for good industrial jobs and fair wages, but for the stability of our societies. Deindustrialisation is economically, socially and politically corrosive and will delay our climate obligations.

Policy Demands & a Just Transition

IndustriAll Europe called for urgent relief for industries struggling with energy costs—while at the same time staying true to Europe’s climate goals. Industrial support must come with social strings attached to ensure that real investment in sites is achieved. The transition must be just: this is only possible if it’s based on investment and innovation, not on sacrificing workers or regions.
For this, strong unions are essential. Collective bargaining is not an accessory—it is the guarantee that change is fair, that workers have a voice, and that industry remains resilient. This is what we stand for. 

Climate policies must not be used as a pretext for plant closures or community abandonment. Instead, transformation must hinge on safeguarding workers and investing in regions and their workforces. No worker or region must be left behind.

Best-Practice Examples 

In Norway, decades of proactive collaboration among unions, government, and industry have supported strategic technologies — notably carbon capture and storage (CCS) — which now play a central role in clean industrial roadmaps. Despite being outside the EU, Norway’s integration via the EEA agreement and its energy export role underscore its relevance to European industrial ecosystems.

“Every time I visit Norway, I am struck by the effectiveness of your approach. You have kept your eye on the ball through strong social dialogue and proactive industrial policy” said Judith Kirton-Darling.

Norway is not an EU member state, but this does not mean that the country is sidelined in the European discourse. Norway has been part of the internal market through the EEA agreement for over 30 years. And recently, it has emerged as the most important supplier of gas and electricity to the rest of the continent. Some of the export sectors still meet trade barriers in the internal market. It is, however, our objective that Norway will escape customs tariffs on steel and ferro-alloys as the EU responds to Trump’s trade war. 

A Call to Unified Action

The Congress concluded with a firm commitment: workers across Europe must speak in a united voice to defend jobs, preserve industry, and protect the social fabric amid sweeping change.

“In an ever more divided Europe, workers must express themselves with one voice, clearly and united. We know that to achieve our goals, we need to play hardball when it is necessary. The employers and conservative parties are strong today. We need to show them that we are stronger. A stable and strong Europe can only be built with workers at the centre. Together, we will defend our industries, our jobs, and our social fabric. United. Strong. Solidarity”, concluded Judith Kirton-Darling.