Read-out of the Dialogue with the Automotive Industry - EU launches EUDIS Accelerator&Matchmaking to support startups in the European defence ecosystem.

President von der Leyen hosted a high-level dialogue with representatives of automotive industry to discuss the implications of the US tariffs on cars, car parts and commercial vehicles. The exchange of views focused on gathering industry views and proposals for the most effective EU response to the measures.
Participants voiced strong concerns about the broader implications of the US tariffs, particularly the risk of trade diversion. They highlighted the uncertainty these measures create for integrated supply chains - especially in the automotive sector - which span both sides of the Atlantic and are central to current business models.

They expressed support for lowering tariffs on both sides as part of a negotiated solution, a path the European Commission remains committed to. Participants also shared perspectives on the potential for the EU and US to reduce non-tariff barriers in a mutually beneficial way. More generally, they encouraged the European Commission to further implement its competitiveness agenda, in particular through accelerating actions included in the Action Plan on Automotive.