A Slovenian-French forum organised by the SPIRIT agency and the Manager Association at the Slovenia House on the sidelines of the Paris Olympics discussed challenges faced by the global automotive industry, the impact of which will be felt by automotive industries in Slovenia, France and the EU.

The European Union is lagging behind China when it comes to the transition to electric vehicles, Iztok Seljak, the head of the Manager Association and managing director of automotive supplier Hidria Holding, said at the event on 31 July.

China is manufacturing electric cars with 30-40% longer range at 40% lower prices, while "in the EU we are always just talking about how to proceed," said Seljak. Chinese companies are already five to seven years ahead of Europe regarding electric cars.

The EU has high ambitions in electrifying transport, said European Association of Automotive Suppliers secretary general Benjamin Krieger. Still many challenges lie ahead that will require the cooperation of decision-makers at the national and EU level, he added.

Funding the infrastructure for charging stations is one such challenge that will require the help of the EU, Krieger said.

Car suppliers alone invest €30 billion a year in R&D, he noted. Even together with investments by car manufacturers, the figures are still not high enough for the EU's ambitious goals.

Co-chairman of the European Road Transport Advisory Council Jean-Luc di Paola-Galloni agreed, adding that the transition to electric vehicles was "one of the most important roads" that the automotive industry had walked in its history. It is a necessary step that will require the EU's financial support and help in reducing red tape, Paola-Galloni said.

European car manufacturers will have to increase sales of electric vehicles to be competitive, said Maria Ianculescu from France's Automotive Platform. She welcomed the recent news that Revoz, the Slovenian subsidiary of Renault, will be manufacturing more electric vehicles.

Addressing representatives of French businesses at the event, the head of the SPIRIT agency Rok Capl presented Slovenia's economy, competitive advantages and opportunities for further cooperation. Slovenian companies are leading in niche sectors, such as innovation in nature protection, sustainable mobility, industrial design, robotics, space technologies, pharmaceuticals and creative industries.

Slovenia's Ambassador to France Metka Ipavic stressed the importance of economic cooperation between the countries, notably in the automotive industry. Renault is the largest investor in Slovenia, she said, adding that many Slovenian companies work with partners from France's automotive industry. The trade in goods amounted to €3.11 billion last year, of which €1.82 billion was Slovenian exports.

Slovenian Olympic Committee secretary general Tomaž Jontes highlighted the importance of cooperation between the economy and sports in projects, such as the Slovenia House at the Olympics, which is hosting various events.

During the Paris Olympics, the Slovenia House serves as a hub for meetings and promotion of Slovenia's sports, business, culture, cuisine and tourism.

The Office for Slovenians Abroad and Minister Matej Arčon hosted a reception for Slovenians living and working in France on 30 July. There are an estimated 20,000 people of Slovenian descent living in France, most in the east as well as in cities such as Paris, Nice and Marseille.