It is still too early to say what employers will be putting on the table at the upcoming tripartite meeting, Luxembourg Federation of Industrialists (FEDIL) representatives made clear at a press conference on Monday morning. First, the groundwork needs to be laid.
At Monday's press conference FEDIL presented its leadership transition at the top of the industry federation, taking place, as those present noted, against a backdrop of salient economic tensions. Later the same day, FEDIL general meeting took place where Georges Rassel handed over the presidency to Alex Schumann of Goodyear. Raymond Ackermann of Accumalux S.A. and Isabelle Dennewald of Contern S.A. also joined the board of directors.
Schumann steps into the role just weeks before a national tripartite meeting, the outcome of which will matter greatly to Luxembourg's industrial sector. Who will represent industry's interests at the table remains to be confirmed, Rassel noted. The meeting's stated aim is to cushion the impact of the new energy crisis on households, while also protecting the competitiveness of businesses.
FEDIL director René Winkin was clear that the tripartite process needs to be properly prepared before any demands are formulated. Scenarios must be analysed, possible measures assessed, and their feasibility and impacts examined. Rushing to stake out positions, he suggested, would be premature.
The industry representatives also reflected on the broader international situation: deteriorating transatlantic relations, the energy crisis and an energy transition that, in their view, has been either too slow or poorly calibrated. Winkin pointed out that Luxembourg is not in a position to produce its own energy, while refineries across Europe are closing at a faster rate than demand for kerosene and diesel has actually fallen.
Schumann has outlined three priorities for his presidency: industrial investment, human resources and the international positioning of the Grand Duchy. Under Rassel's leadership, the focus had been on digitalisation, innovation and artificial intelligence, as well as administrative simplification. FEDIL will continue pursuing these goals too.
Rassel, now retired, spoke on Monday morning: "Heaps of uncertainty is never good for business", he said. Looking ahead to the tripartite, he reached for an oft-repeated phrase he hears from politicians: "If businesses are doing well, people are doing well. And if people are doing well, businesses are doing well.
