The President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will open the Hannover Messe 2024. At the world's leading trade fair for industry, the EU wants to present itself as a strong economic alliance just two months before the European elections. Last year, industry contributed around 23.5 % to the EU's gross domestic product, the service sector around 64.5 %.
Official opening ceremony with Ursula von der Leyen
The EU will participate in the Hannover Messe in various formats, sending a strong signal for a European industrial policy. The President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will speak at the official opening ceremony on 21 April 2024, and on the first day of the fair (22 April) the EU conference "EU as Home of the Decarbonised Industry" will take place at the Convention Center on the Hannover Exhibition Grounds. At the event, industry representatives can exchange views with high-ranking EU politicians to discuss relevant topics such as the Green Deal. On the evening of the first day of the fair, participants are invited to the traditional European policy reception organised by Deutsche Messe and VDMA.
EU Commission plans large stand in Hall 12
The European Commission will participate in the Hannover Messe with a large pavilion in Energy Hall 12. The implementation is in the hands of the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW). As in 2023, there will again be a prominent auditorium for presentations and panels with experts from the European Commission. The Brussels Directorates-General for Energy (DG ENER), Trade (DG TRADE), Climate (DG CLIMA), Research and Innovation (DG RTD) and Digital (DG CNCT), which are relevant for industrial policy, will also be involved.
Also involved are the European Investment Bank (EIB) and partners from industry and associations. The exhibits will be provided by companies and stakeholders from the EU member states. Each of the five days of the fair will have a different thematic focus. Topics under discussion include Access to Finance, Decarbonised Industry, Supply Chains, Skills, Access to Raw Materials and Clean Energy.
Further information is available at www.hannovermesse.de.
