The European Chemistry Council CEFIC supports the EU’s reduction targets for CO₂ ahead of discussions at the COP 21 climate talks in Paris, Solvay CEO Jean-Pierre Clamadieu said, speaking in his role as CEFIC president.

The remarks were made at a debate organized by the Luxembourg EU presidency during a meeting of the Competitiveness Council.

Regarding the European Commission’s planned reform of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), CEFIC has called on the EU to negotiate for the establishment of an ambitious agreement at the environment summit to be held from Nov. 30 to Dec.11, while at the same time ensuring a global level playing field between all major economies. Here, Clamadieu stressed the necessity to provide support for Europe’s energy-intensive industries such as chemicals.

“Unlike power generators, energy-intensive industries cannot pass their costs on down the value chain. Therefore, the ETS reform should not result in costs for our industry that will negatively impact our ability to compete in the global marketplace,” the CEFIC president said.

“We urge Member States to look closely at this reform which is crucial for the future of industry in Europe and to ensure that these proposals are consistent with the European Council’s conclusion that carbon-efficient factories should not be penalized with additional cost,” Clamadieu continued, staking out the chemical industry’s position.

The debate was designed to provide the Council, comprising the 28 EU ministers of economic affairs, with a better understanding of the impact of the Commission’s EU ETS reform proposal on European industrial competitiveness.