Focus AreasIndustrial & Competition Policy

A strong bridge between EU industrial policy and competition policy is essential for Europe’s economic resilience and strategic autonomy. Industrial policy sets the vision for innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness, while competition policy ensures fair markets and prevents monopolies. Aligning the two enables targeted support for key sectors—such as clean tech, semiconductors, and defence—without distorting the Single Market. This synergy fosters scale, investment, and innovation while preserving a level playing field. As global rivals adopt assertive industrial strategies, Europe must ensure its rules empower rather than constrain its industries, enabling them to lead in the green and digital transitions.

ERT's Committee on Industrial & Competition Policy:

Co-Chairs

Nils Andersen

ASML

Benoît Potier

Air Liquide

Featured Documents

25 July 2025

ERT letter to EC EVP Ribera regarding exclusionary abuses

In this latest correspondence, ERT raises serious concerns about the European Commission’s Draft Guidelines on exclusionary abuses under Article 102 TFEU. In it, the organisation warns that the current draft...

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Featured Documents

17 February 2026

ERT calls for modernised EU Merger Guidelines to unlock efficiencies, innovation and competitiveness

Brussels, 17 February 2026: The European Round Table for Industry (ERT) today publishes an expert contribution calling for targeted revisions to the EU’s Merger Guidelines to ensure that efficiency gains...

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8 December 2025

Reduced appetite to invest in Europe due to lack of business case puts renewed pressure on policymakers

 CEO Confidence is no longer in freefall but remains negative in Europe, whilst US, China fare better.  Business case for investing in Europe is weakening further: since the...

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3 September 2025

ERT’s submission to the EC public consultation on the EU Merger Guidelines

ERT has submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s public consultation on the EU Merger Guidelines. In our response, we call for a more holistic and forward-looking approach to merger...

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6 May 2025

ERT: In a changing global order, Europe must modernise its Competition Policy

Key Conclusions ERT is convinced that effective competition law enforcement is critical to ensure open markets, deliver consumer benefits and maintain a fair level-playing field between companies. As the most...

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5 July 2021

ERT Expert Paper – EU Merger Control

In this paper, ERT examines EU merger control policy more broadly to highlight the most significant current issues and to suggest reforms. EU merger control policy has evolved through the...

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Industrial & Competition Policy

Document Category

All Focus Areas

Security, Defence & Dual Use

Security, defence, and dual-use technologies are vital to Europe's industrial resilience, technological sovereignty, and global competitiveness in an increasingly complex and interconnected geopolitical landscape.

Single Market Completion

The EU Single Market enables free movement and economic integration. ERT champions its completion, backing Enrico Letta’s report and urging broader scope and faster implementation.

CFO Platform

The CFO Platform aims to build consensus on how the EU can restore the business case for investing in Europe.

Industrial & Competition Policy

Aligning EU industrial and competition policy supports innovation and strategic sectors while preserving fair markets, enabling Europe to compete globally without undermining the Single Market.

Trade & Economic Security

In a fragmented global trade landscape, ERT unites European industry insights to promote fair, stable, and mutually beneficial trade amid rising geopolitical and protectionist pressures.

Tech, AI & Data

Digital transformation is vital for Europe’s competitiveness. The Tech, AI and Data Group promotes cross-sector strategies to harness innovation while protecting consumers and addressing societal challenges.

Energy Transition & Clean Industry

European industry backs decarbonisation and clean energy while protecting competitiveness. It seeks policies enabling a green transition without triggering deindustrialisation or weakening Europe’s industrial base.

R&D, Innovation & Skills

Driving EU policy on R&D, innovation, and skills, fostering investment, talent development, and education-industry alignment to boost Europe’s competitiveness and resilience.