The industry warns that without a new sectoral law, strategic autonomy is at risk

MadridThe State has an industry law that dates back to 1992. It is a regulation that, in the eyes of the industrial sector, has become obsolete, especially in a context marked by geopolitical tensions and the questioning of the global order's playing field, and this situation has pushed the European Union to move towards strategic autonomy in order not to depend on other powers.

Declaration for the promotion of a new Industry Law and an effective industrial policyDeclaration for the promotion of a new Industry law and an effective industrial policy.

In fact, in 2024 the Spanish government already approved a draft reform of the 1992 regulation, but since then it has been stalled in the amendment phase in Congress, a process that can be extended sine die. "We don't like it 100% either [the reform], but we want to move forward, and that's why we are asking political parties to propose modifications," indicated José Antonio Pasadas, secretary of Union Action UGT FICA. For the unions, it is important to focus on ensuring generational succession and promoting new professional profiles that respond to needs such as the digital and technological transition, marked by the irruption of artificial intelligence.

Among the demands, the sector is focusing on the need to increase R+D investment, stimulate demand, and foster a "dynamic" ecosystem that brings together large companies, but also small and medium-sized ones. "The speed and scale must reach SMEs and traditional sectors, as well as territories that run the risk of being left behind," warned Celestino García, general director of the digital sector employers' association Ametic.

At this Wednesday's event, AseBIO (the biotechnology industry employers' association), CCOO, Farmaindustria, FEIQUE (the chemical employers' association), and Tedae (the defense employers' association) were also present. "This call responds to the profound technological, economic, and geopolitical transformation we are facing, marked by tensions in supply chains, the acceleration of the energy and digital transition, and the increase in global competition," explain the entities signing the Declaration.

The 20% challenge

Industry accounted for 18.7% of Spanish GDP in 2000, while it now stands at 14.7% of GDP, according to the latest data published by the General Council of Economists. This figure is far from the recommendations of the European Union, which advises that the industrial weight of the eurozone countries should be 20%. If we look at Catalonia, the scenario is more optimistic. According to Idescat, in 2024 industry represented 18.8% of the gross value added (GVA) of the Catalan economy. This figure is slightly lower than the European average, but higher than that of Spain (16.6%).