On Sunday and Monday, 19-20 April, Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, and Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification, joined world leaders at the opening of Hannover Messe – Europe’s biggest trade fair for manufacturing and technology.
At Hannover Messe, the EU will highlight how it is helping European industry stay strong, innovative, and competitive. This means supporting key sectors like computer chips and high-tech manufacturing, but also energy-intensive industries, while making it easier for businesses to produce high-quality, sustainable products.
Another priority is ensuring Europe has reliable access to the raw materials needed for green and digital technologies. The EU is also cutting unnecessary red tape to make it simpler for businesses to grow and innovate. At the same time, it is working to improve the Single Market, removing obstacles so companies can trade more freely across Europe. With Brazil as this year’s partner country of the Hannover Messe, the event will serve to strengthen cooperation on sustainable industry and critical raw materials, benefiting both economies. Finally, the Commission will discuss with stakeholders the Industrial Accelerator Act, notably the introduction of “Made in Europe” requirements to boost European production.
Executive Vice-President Séjourné will, on Sunday, give a keynote speech on how the EU is boosting industrial competitiveness, ensuring Europe remains a leader in innovation and clean technology. The next day, he will open the EU’s exhibition stand, followed by an event with business leaders, policymakers, and innovators.
On Sunday, Commissioner Dombrovskis will deliver a keynote speech on competitiveness as Europe’s response to geoeconomic challenges, followed by a panel discussion. The next day, he will also take part in the EU’s exhibition stand opening, as well as a roundtable discussion on simplification with industry representatives.
Executive Vice-President Séjourné and Commissioner Dombrovskis will also take part in an official tour of the fair alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Olaf Lies, Minister-President of Lower Saxony.
You can find more information on the Commission’s dedicated website to the EU at Hannover Messe 2026.
