The Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal was presented during the European Industry Summit in Antwerp on 20 February 2024. This declaration emphasizes the need for clarity, predictability, and confidence in Europe’s industrial policy to complement the Green Deal and maintain high-quality jobs for European workers. It highlights the importance of industry in driving innovation for climate solutions and stresses the significance of industrial production alongside innovation.
Industry leaders have called for urgent actions to restore competitiveness and preserve jobs in Europe. The declaration outlines ten concrete actions, including integrating the EU Industrial Deal into the broader European Strategic Agenda, streamlining legislation, simplifying the State Aid framework, ensuring raw material self-sufficiency, fostering demand for sustainable products, and nurturing innovation. It also emphasizes transforming Europe into a global leader in providing abundant and affordable low-carbon energy through strategic partnerships and robust infrastructure.
The signatories of the Antwerp Declaration come from diverse sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, steel, mining, textiles, and biotech. This declaration serves as a collaborative effort to revitalise Europe’s industrial landscape, strengthen basic industry sectors, and ensure competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience amid changing geopolitics. It underscores the industry’s commitment to contributing to a stronger Europe and ensuring a just transition during the green transformation.
Citations:
[1] https://antwerp-declaration.eu
[2] https://antwerp-declaration.eu/pdf/declaration.pdf
[3] https://cefic.org/media-corner/newsroom/antwerp-declaration-for-a-european-industrial-deal
[4] https://www.handelsblatt.com/downloads/29662786/7/industrial_deal.pdf
