FinMobility organised an advocacy visit in Brussels for its member organisation The Finnish Central Organisation for Motor Trades and Repairs (AKL) together with CEO Tero Lausala and Legal Director Timo Niemi to discuss the rapidly evolving EU policy landscape affecting the automotive sector.
Moreover, the main focus of the visit was the functioning of the EU Single Market and the growing need for more harmonised rules within the automotive sector — particularly regarding consumer protection frameworks, liability issues and market practices across Member States.
Throughout the discussions, a clear message emerged: Europe cannot strengthen the competitiveness of its automotive sector without a more effective and predictable Single Market.
Today, fragmented national rules, gold-plating and differing interpretations continue to create unnecessary barriers for businesses operating across Europe. This not only increases legal uncertainty and costs for companies, but also ultimately affects consumers through higher prices and reduced market efficiency.
A stronger and more harmonised Single Market would help create fairer and more predictable conditions for companies while also supporting consumers’ access to cleaner and more affordable vehicles across Europe.
In addition to Single Market issues, discussions covered several major ongoing EU legislative initiatives shaping the future of the automotive sector, including:
- the Automotive Package, including Clean Corporate Vehicles, the Automotive Omnibus
- the Roadworthiness Package
- simplification efforts under the “One Europe, One Market” agenda
- broader EU competitiveness and level-playing-field questions.
During the visit, meetings and exchanges took place with Finnish MEPs, officials from the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU, colleagues from the Federation of Finnish Enterprises, as well as the Cabinet of Commissioner McGrath.
The visit highlighted the importance of continued dialogue between industry stakeholders and EU institutions as Europe seeks to balance competitiveness, simplification and consumer interests in the future automotive market.
