Terry Scuoler, CEO of UK manufacturing trade body EEF has been appointed chairman of the European engineering trade body CEEMET.
Terry Scuoler’s appointment to the CCEMET chairmanship will strengthen the voice of British industry in Brussels said EEF.
Mr Scuoler will lead CEEMET’s discussions with the European Commission and Parliament regarding the impact of legislation and regulation in the region’s industrial competitiveness.
CEEMET comprises industrial representation from 23 EU nations and has 200,000 member companies employing approximately 35 million. Scuoler will hold his post as chairman of the organisation for three years.
Scuoler’s first action as chairman was to launch CEEMET’s manifesto for European growth and competitiveness before an audience of new members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg today.
The central objective of this roadmap, with recommendations for policy makers, is to achieve an increase in the contribution of manufacturing to EU GDP from 15.1% to 20% by 2020.
CEEMET aims to do this by focusing on three core themes:
- Better regulation which is fit for purpose and promotes competitiveness
- Enhancing the skills base of the European workforce and creating a dynamic labour market
- Improving cooperation between policy makers and government
The proposals include the designation of a European Commissioner responsible for boosting EU policies on competitiveness with annual reporting on progress, as well as strengthening of the Competitiveness Council to scrutinise all proposed legislation for potentially anti-competitive elements.
Commenting on his appointment, Scuoler, said: “Manufacturing is critical to the future of the European economy, providing the economic growth and high skill jobs we urgently need.
“But, we cannot go on doing the same things over and over again and expect to see a different result. The recent elections have sent an uncomfortable message to European policymakers that must now be heeded as a matter of urgency.”
Read TM’s recent interview with Terry Scuoler about how he hopes his CEEMET chairmanship will benefit British manufacturing.