A step towards a new industrial age in Europe

Brussels, 13 September 2017  - Today the European Commission (EC) published Investing in a smart, innovative and sustainable Industry: A renewed Industrial Strategy for Europe. The communication outlines measures to facilitate a new industrial age and unlock sustainable growth. The communication was published shortly after European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s 2017 State of the European Union during which he highlighted the importance of creating a stronger and more competitive industrial base.In response to the communication Marco Mensink, Cefic Director General, said: “With this new industrial policy strategy, the renewed trade focus and application of the Innovation Principle, President Juncker adds the 11th cross cutting priority to his agenda. At a time when the European Economy is regaining momentum after a crisis, a holistic Commission strategy is needed to create a favourable business environment that stimulates innovation and investment in Europe. A crucial element for European chemical companies, both large and small, is certainty that the compliance with EU regulations is equally met by global competitors. Enforcement is crucial and must be improved to ensure uniformity across the EU. The EU REACH legislation is a prime example where the EC Member States must ensure that companies comply with the EU regulatory framework when entering substances and articles on the EU market.“We see this communication as a good starting point and stress that more work will need to be done to translate this into a truly impactful strategy. If we are to achieve jobs and growth through innovation and investments we need concrete actions that will lead us there,” Marco Mensink added.Cefic calls for industry-specific pathways to be defined for key sectors and value chains.  For example, enabling Europe’s energy intensive industries to deliver on sustainability and innovation. We look forward to the next Competitiveness Council conclusions and delivering on agreed actions, the real mainstreaming of industrial policy and the jobs and growth this will deliver.On behalf of the chemical industry, Cefic will be engaging stakeholders to input to the Cefic Mid Century Strategy for the European chemical industry. This will be one of our key contributions to the industrial policy debate intended to address the central question – How do we all work together to make sure that companies invest here in Europe for a prosperous and sustainable future?