EU Faces Criticism as Auto Industry Shifts Towards War Production

Brussels is facing scrutiny over its approach to the struggling automotive industry, with concerns raised about a focus on electric vehicle transition while factories increasingly pivot towards military production. Italian MEP Silvia Sardone has criticized the European Union’s policies, arguing they are detrimental to the sector, which contributes 7-8% to European GDP.

Shift to War Production

Facing a crisis within the automotive sector, many European factories are reportedly undergoing a “war conversion,” shifting their capabilities to produce military equipment. This transition is occurring alongside the EU’s continued emphasis on electric vehicle development, a strategy Sardone deems misguided.

Silvia Sardone’s Criticism

Silvia Sardone, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Lega party in Italy, has been vocal in her criticism of the EU’s handling of the automotive industry. She argues that the current policies are “ruining” the industry. Sardone is a member of the ENVI Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety, and the DROI Subcommittee on Human Rights. She too serves as a substitute member of the AFET Committee on Foreign Affairs and the ITRE Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. Source

EU Funding Controversies

The EU has also faced criticism for its funding of research projects. In January 2026, Sardone criticized the allocation of €1.6 million to a study examining hair, identity, beauty, and personal identity among Muslim women, deeming it a “wasteful” utilize of funds. Source

Silvia Sardone’s Background

Born on December 25, 1982, Silvia Sardone is an Italian politician who has been a Member of the European Parliament since 2019. Source She is the deputy secretary of Lega, a right-wing populist political party in Italy. Sardone holds degrees from Bocconi University, the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, and the Polytechnic University of Milan. Source

NGO Lobbying Concerns

Sardone recently resigned from a committee role due to concerns over lobbying efforts by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). She believes this lobbying is part of a broader, “systematic” campaign to influence decision-making in Brussels, and that MEPs on the environment committee have been kept unaware of the extent of this backroom lobbying. Source