Fedil: Luxembourg Industry Needs More Europe to Face Major Challenges

Georges Rassel, the new chair of Fedil's board of directors, has outlined his key priorities and messages for Luxembourg's industry federation. Rassel emphasizes the importance of the export-oriented industry, which accounts for 25% of Luxembourg's GDP and 120,000 direct jobs.

One of Rassel's main priorities is calling for a pause in the tightening of the regulatory framework in Europe, which he believes has become "suffocating" for businesses. He also stresses the need to restore the integrity of Europe's internal market and promote unity among European countries to better seize technological opportunities.

Rassel aims to address strategic issues in Luxembourg such as land availability, infrastructure, energy supply, and financing for industrial and technological development. He wants to utilize public research to help modernize and strengthen the industrial fabric through public-private partnerships.

Why this matters: Luxembourg's industry faces significant challenges in the current economic and geopolitical landscape. Fedil's new leadership seeks to address these challenges by advocating for a more business-friendly regulatory environment and greater European cooperation to support the country's vital export-oriented sector.

Preparing Luxembourg for the changes brought by artificial intelligence is another key focus for Rassel. He also advocates for flexible working time arrangements that balance the needs of workers and employers.

Rassel's predecessor, Michèle Detaille, who served as chair for five years, believes Fedil should be recognized as an expert organization rather than a political one. She wants to help the government make the right decisions without taking its place. Detaille's tenure was marked by challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, and she emphasizes the importance of effective representation of stakeholders.

The industry remains relatively unknown to the general public, which Fedil aims to change. Rassel intends to continue the work of his predecessor in this regard. The Fedil board has also seen changes, including the addition of more women and younger members.

Key Takeaways

• Georges Rassel, new Fedil chair, calls for pause in EU regulatory tightening
• Rassel aims to address strategic issues like land, infrastructure, energy, financing
• Preparing for AI and flexible work arrangements are key priorities for Rassel
• Predecessor Detaille wants Fedil recognized as expert, not political, organization
• Fedil aims to increase industry's public visibility and diversify board membership