Industrial revolution needed across Europe, says commission vice head

An industrial revolution is what is required at the heart of Europe, according to Antonio Tajani, the vice-president of the European Commission.

Mr Tajani called for a new industrial revolution driven by investment in sustainable energy, technology, and industry which, he said, would benefit Ireland.

“If we want to take the lead in the new industrial revolution, we need to enhance our technological leadership,” he said.

“We need to take advantage of all opportunities provided by pooling our scarce resources. This is why the commission has proposed €80bn for ‘Horizon 2020’, our programme for investment in research and innovation.”

Mr Tajani was speaking at the European Ideas Forum which was held in Dublin yesterday. He said Ireland is on track to emerge from the economic crisis.

“After a sharp contraction of the Irish economy in 2008-2010, modest growth was restored last year when GDP increased by 0.9%; and modest growth of 0.5% is forecast for this year.

“Although much remains to be done to restore confidence among business operators, markets and citizens, Ireland is on track with its efforts to emerge from the crisis,” he said.

Mr Tajani said Ireland was leading the EU when it came to exports. He said that in the future most of the world’s economic growth will be outside of the EU and exports are the best way for the region to capitalise on this growth.

“The Irish export success shows that we need to raise our level of ambition in the world. According to the OECD, by 2015 about 90% of world growth will be generated outside Europe. But today only 13% of European SMEs are internationally active outside the EU.”

Mr Tajani also throw his support behind a fellow Italian working to improve Ireland, Giovanni Trapattoni who he thinks will have a positive effect on the Irish economy. “I am confident that Ireland’s football team will perform well during the Euro Championship.

“I am also confident that Ireland, as it emerges from the crisis, will play a significant role in boosting European growth, innovation and competitiveness.”