The chemicals sector says it wants concrete actions from Europe following the European Commission’s presentation of the Clean Industrial Deal on Wednesday.
“Break all taboos and consider every option,” Marco Mensink, Director-General of the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), urged. He emphasised the need for real action, not just strategies or plans. “The situation must change,” he stressed.
CEFIC noted that Europe has been losing ground daily, resulting in the loss of many quality jobs. “In these turbulent times, we need decisive measures from European leaders,” said Syensqo CEO Ilham Kadri, president of CEFIC.
Belgium’s sector federation, Essenscia, also hopes for a swift response. “The chemical and pharmaceutical sectors rely on a strong European industrial policy to overcome competitiveness challenges,” Essenscia noted. It called for a focus on reducing energy costs, cutting administrative burdens and making investments more attractive.
“We appreciate the European Commission’s proposal of the Clean Industrial Deal,” Essenscia Administrator Yves Verschueren added. “Now it is essential to turn words into action. Not only at the European level but also in our country, we need robust industrial policies at both federal and regional levels.”
