The Basque Government underscores the strategic role of regions in the transformation of the automotive sector before Commissioner Tzitzikostas

• Deputy Minister for Industry, Andoitz Korta, takes part in the Conference of the Alliance of Regions for the Automotive Industry (ARA) held in Strasbourg

The Deputy Minister for Industry of the Basque Government, Andoitz Korta, held a meeting with the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, during the Conference of the Alliance of Regions for the Automotive Industry (ARA), which took place in Strasbourg. On this occasion, he emphasised the pivotal role of regions in the implementation of the European Action Plan for the Automotive Industry, while showcasing the experience and leadership of the Basque Country in this field. Korta was accompanied by Nagore Bonilla, Director of Basque Trade & Investment, part of the SPRI Group.

“The success of this industrial and technological transformation will depend on our ability to build it with and from the territories,” stated Korta, highlighting that regions “possess in-depth knowledge of the capacities, challenges and opportunities of their industrial ecosystems.” In this context, he called for a European governance framework that not only consults but actively integrates the regions in the implementation of the plan and endorsed the proposal of the European Committee of the Regions to establish a structured dialogue with the European Commission.

In his intervention, the Deputy Minister underlined that the Basque Country is a region with a strong industrial identity, where the automotive sector represents 25% of total manufacturing output and is supported by a highly advanced, specialised and internationalised value chain. He stressed that the Basque Country has placed innovation, digitalisation and the energy transition at the core of its industrial policy and is developing targeted initiatives aligned with the priorities of the European Action Plan.

These include the promotion of innovation hubs focused on advanced solutions in artificial intelligence applied to mobility, pilot projects for autonomous vehicles, open and modular software platforms, and the reinforcement of cybersecurity for in-vehicle systems, in accordance with the NIS2 Directive.

He also underlined the Basque Country’s commitment to the ethical and efficient use of vehicle-generated data, and to fostering local platforms that enable innovation without undermining user rights.

“There can be no digitalisation without talent, nor leadership without territorial cohesion,” he stated, emphasising the Basque model of public-private collaboration between enterprises, technology centres, universities and vocational training providers, which constitutes the foundation of the region’s reindustrialisation strategy.

Korta concluded by affirming that the transformation underway in the automotive industry is not only technological, but also economic, social and territorial, and therefore requires public policy frameworks that recognise the transformative capacity of regions as strategic partners of Europe.

Training and talent as a strategic pillar

Korta also highlighted the Basque Country’s comprehensive strategy for talent development, training and innovation in the automotive field, which is fully aligned with the European Action Plan. He cited the example of the AIC – Automotive Intelligence Centre, an internationally-oriented hub that integrates innovation, advanced training, and technological collaboration within a single ecosystem. He also referred to the work of the AIC Academy, which offers specialisation programmes in areas such as cybersecurity, connectivity and smart mobility, and provides early training for emerging talent.

The Deputy Minister further pointed to the Basque vocational training model, recognised at the European level for its strong ties with the business sector, its capacity for technological adaptation and its practical, hands-on approach. “We have developed tailored training programmes in electromechanics, advanced bodywork, connected vehicles and digital automotive management, all with a high rate of job placement,” he noted.

He also reported that the Basque Country is currently promoting new master’s degrees in advanced manufacturing techniques and cybersecurity applied to the automotive industry, in partnership with institutions such as the Basque Automotive Manufacturing Centre, the University of the Basque Country, and Mondragon University. “This initiative forms part of our commitment to anticipating future skills requirements in the sector and enhancing its appeal among younger generations,” he concluded.