In his introductory statement to the Industry, Research and Energy, Internal Market and Consumers, Economic Affairs and Environment Public Health and Food Safety committees, Mr Séjourné announced a future pact on clean industry to lay the foundations “for an industrial policy suited to our time”, stressing that the EU will need to decarbonise and reindustrialise simultaneously. He advocated focusing on the strategic sectors with the highest potential and socioeconomic impact, promoting lowering energy prices, and developing thriving markets for products such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.

Mr. Séjourné promised to reduce bureaucracy for companies and pledged to introduce an SME passport to avoid firms having to constantly prove their legal status. He emphasised that huge investments are needed to prevent the most innovative companies from leaving the EU. To win the global investment battle, the Commissioner-designate plans to set up an EU Competitiveness Fund and use