James Watson, Director General of Eurometaux, expressed enthusiasm for the launch of the European Metals campaign at the European Parliament, emphasising the sector’s vital role in the energy transition. The campaign, titled #BuildingEuropesFuturewithEuropeanMetals, aims to highlight the importance of non-ferrous and strategic raw materials such as aluminium, copper, and lithium for renewable energy technologies, as well as platinum and silver for digital advancements and lead and nickel for defence applications.
During the launch, Watson noted that the campaign is supported by several ambassadors, including Radan Kanev and Prof. Yannis Maniatis, and has garnered endorsements from organisations like Metal Packaging Europe. The event coincided with Metals Day in the European Parliament, allowing industry representatives to engage with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and discuss critical issues affecting the metals sector.
Watson highlighted the ongoing discussions surrounding key legislative frameworks, including the Emissions Trading System (ETS), the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED), the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and the forthcoming circular economy act. These topics underscore the need for a supportive policy environment to ensure the sustainability and growth of the metals industry in Europe.
The campaign aims to keep the non-ferrous and strategic raw material sectors thriving in Europe, which Watson believes is essential for both the economy and the environment. He expressed gratitude to the teams and MEPs who participated in the event, noting the strong support for improving the policy framework for metals in Europe. Looking ahead, Watson is optimistic about the future of the campaign and the ongoing collaboration within the industry to build a sustainable future with European metals.
