The Alliance for a Competitive European Industry (ACEI) made its criticism of the European Commission's industrial policy at a workshop in Brussels on Friday. The ACEI represents 11 major European industry sector associations, including the Confederation of Food and Drink Industries in the EU (CIAA).
The Commission has been pushing through a programme of open its markets to foreign competition, and renouncing protectionism. However this policy has fared more or less well before the EU's legislators depending on the sector affected and politics involved.
The aim is to make it easier for EU companies to trade across each member state's borders and overseas. The changes could also help with sourcing cheaper supplies outside the EU's borders once punitive tariffs and other import charges are lowered.
In its latest move the ACEI is calling on the EU legislators and member states to swiftly implement measures to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of industry.
"There is no reason why our economies should lag behind those of our main trading partners," the ACEI said in a statement. "Now words have to be translated into deeds. European industry and the EU legislative institutions must work together to ensure that the European Union remains an attractive place for industrial investment and job creation."
The ACEI said it supports the Commission's push to develop enterprises and to foster innovation. However more needs to be done to protect intellectual property.
"A proactive EU policy to protect intellectual property is vital to support innovation in industry," the ACEI stated. "The costs of patenting must be reduced and the patent litigation system made more efficient."