TRIESTE – Strengthening the competitiveness of European shipbuilding and reviving the dual-use dimension of the naval industry: these were the key points that emerged during the meeting held at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard with the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
During the discussion with the Group’s leadership, the main challenges for the sector’s future were highlighted: recovering strategic segments eroded by Asian competition, consolidating the EU’s leadership in high–value-added vessels, and reinforcing the maritime industry’s role as a fundamental asset for European defence and security. This dimension includes the development of underwater technologies, the protection of critical infrastructures and the capacity for technological sovereignty.
Broad attention was also devoted to industrial transition: digital innovation, decarbonisation technologies – including long-term solutions such as hydrogen and nuclear – and new tools to enhance production efficiency and competitiveness. These themes form the foundation of the forthcoming EU Maritime Industrial Strategy, expected in 2026. «It was truly inspiring to visit Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone. The capabilities of our maritime industry in Europe are impressive, despite the challenges it faces» the Commissioner said. «In the upcoming EU Maritime Industrial Strategy, which I will present in early 2026, the European Commission will define actions to strengthen the competitiveness, resilience, innovation and technological leadership of the sector».
For Fincantieri, this is a crucial step in defining the role of Europe’s industry within the new global scenario. The Monfalcone shipyard remains one of the most advanced hubs in the continent: over 40 ships delivered since 1990, 600 companies involved in the regional supply chain and continuous investments in robotics, digital twin, real-time tracking and augmented reality, confirming the site’s strategic relevance on the international stage.
«Hosting Commissioner Tzitzikostas at our Monfalcone shipyard is a recognition of the role Fincantieri plays for Europe’s entire shipbuilding sector and for the revitalisation of the continent’s maritime economy. The visit – said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri – allowed us to share our priorities: strengthening Europe’s industrial competitiveness, investing in innovation, digitalisation and decarbonisation, including long-term technologies, and recovering strategic market segments. These are key themes of the future EU Maritime Industrial Strategy, to which we are ready to contribute with the strength of our supply chain and expertise».
