Industrial strategy
The European industrial sector is the backbone of our society in creating jobs, growth and prosperity for our citizens. At the same time, the European industrial structure is undergoing deep transformation responding to societal needs, climate change, and digitalisation. For the industrial sector, these changes hold untapped potential — but also very real challenges — that can be unleashed with the right industrial policy framework.
EU policy
In March 2020, the European Commission published its proposal of a New Industrial Strategy for Europe to help Europe’s industry lead the twin transitions towards climate neutrality and digital leadership.
The Strategy aims to drive Europe’s competitiveness and its strategic autonomy at a time of moving geopolitical plates and increasing global competition. It includes a package of initiatives that set out a range of actions to support all players of European industry, including big and small companies, innovative start-ups, research centres, service providers, suppliers and social partners.
Our view
In line with Cefic, Petrochemicals Europe calls for a “sectoral Green Deal for the chemical industry”:
a consolidation of all relevant policies, including chemicals, trade, tax, enforcement and competition, so that they serve the same goal, which is to attract investments into Europe and create markets for circular and low-carbon products developed by the industry. The goal of such a sectoral approach is to create an EU strategy which supports the European chemical industry to thrive and innovate and while becoming more competitive on a global market.