Industry

Dr Barbara Frei is convinced the EU has enormous strengths, but they need to be put to better use. In an interview the Executive Vice President Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric argues that technologies for implementing the energy transition need to be promoted just as much as an ecosystem for start-ups. For her, the EU is the basis for a successful future if it develops long-term strategies that lead to further automation, digitalisation and therefore also more energy efficiency in industry, but also in the building sector.

Europe has shackled itself, its citizens and its companies – sometimes un­necessarily. In international ­competition, it is now important to release the brakes. Only then can the continent realise its full potential. And continue to play at eye-level worldwide.

Two power cables already connect Norway with Germany and the Netherlands respectively. From 2030, sustainable hydrogen will also flow through a pipeline to Germany.

As managing partner of Elschukom GmbH in Veilsdorf (Thuringia), Ute Poerschke is increasingly struggling with bureaucracy in Brussels. Nevertheless, she is not an EU sceptic - because as an entrepreneur and citizen, she also sees the opportunities that a united Europe offers her.

Kerstin Jorna heads the European Commission's Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (GROW). The influence of EU member states on international standardisation is an important concern for her. She would like to see more experts from the member states represented on international committees.