The celebration of the 60th anniversary of AFIA – the Manufacturers Association for the Automotive Industry will bring together business leaders, institutional representatives and experts to discuss the major challenges shaping the future of the European automotive industry. The session will focus on strategic topics such as European reindustrialisation, artificial intelligence and competitive decarbonisation, featuring José Couto, President of AFIA, who will outline the role of the components industry within Europe’s new competitiveness agenda; Benjamim Vieira, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, who will share insights into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence to enhance industrial productivity and efficiency; and Joaquim Reis, Director of Fundación Repsol in Portugal, who will address the challenges of achieving an energy transition that balances decarbonisation, security of supply and competitiveness.

The event will also welcome Fernando Alexandre, Minister for Education, Science and Innovation, who will reflect on the importance of innovation, research, and collaboration between businesses and knowledge centres in strengthening the industrial competitiveness of both Portugal and Europe.