Industrial Goods & Engineering
Industrial engineering is one of the largest sectors in the EU economy in terms of number of enterprises, employment, production, and the generation of added value. The sector is characterised by relatively small family-owned companies. Europe is the world’s largest producer and exporter of machinery with an estimated one third share of the world market.
Europe’s metal technology, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering, electronics and ICT sectors are in a particularly challenging economic situation. They suffered from a second consecutive year of downturn in 2024, with a combined downturn of 4.8% and a further 0.5% contraction in real turnover predicted for 2025. This downturn can partly be attributed to excessive regulatory burden and high energy costs.
In response, Orgalim has created a 2025 report listing specific examples of how incoherent or inadequately designed EU legislation negatively affects Europe’s technology industries. The report features concrete proposals and a 10-point Action Plan on what needs to change to minimise regulatory burden and costs in the future and boost competitiveness across Europe. As Ulrich Adam, Director General of Orgalim states: “Europe’s technology industries are key enablers of the green and digital transitions and the backbone of a competitive economy, but disproportionate and excessive regulation is holding them back. The Commission’s words on boosting competitiveness must be matched by action – simplify at full speed!”