Along with the Green Deal, the von der Leyen Commission immediately started to look at how to adopt an industrial strategy that would promote EU competitiveness and support the Commission's self-assigned "geopolitical" role by boosting strategic autonomy.

In the aftermath of the crisis, Europe is becoming more polarised in terms of employment, competitiveness and industrial specialisation. A 'German-centred core' which maintained employment and production - has emerged, contrasted by a 'Southern periphery', where major economic losses have...