Antwerp Declaration: Industry Demands Urgent EU Rescue from Competitiveness Collapse
The Antwerp Declaration warns EU leaders of Europe's deepening industrial competitiveness crisis, urging emergency 2026 actions on energy, trade, and funding.
Antwerp Declaration
CEFIC President Calls for EU Action on Chemicals Rescue Plan
Europe's chemical industry is in crisis, warns the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) President Ilham Kadri, urging EU leaders to act on a 10-point rescue plan to prevent further shutdowns and loss of investments.
New Deal to Boost Competitiveness
The EU Green Deal has hurt Europe's industry. The Clean Industrial Deal aims to improve this, but a change of mindset at the Commission is needed.
European Chemical Industry Becoming Extinct
Ahead of the unveiling of the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal, Ineos Chairman and CEO, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, authored an open letter to emphasize the importance of supportive political decisions and measures for the European industry. Releasing the open letter, Ineos stated: “A year on from the signing of ‘The Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal’ we have not seen the action necessary to stem the decline of European industry. Ineos has continued to invest in Europe; however, it is now an exception in a landscape of deindustrialization and closures.” Please read the complete open letter below:
Trying Times and a Wave of Light
In February, industry leaders from 20 industrial sectors presented the ‘Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal’. The declaration emphasizes industry's dedication to Europe's transformation and outlines urgent needs to enhance Europe's competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability amid challenging economic circumstances.
Industry Leaders Call for Urgent Actions to Boost European Competitiveness
Today, 73 industry leaders from 20 industrial sectors handed over "The Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal" to Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The declaration emphasizes industry's dedication to Europe's transformation and outlines urgent needs to enhance Europe's competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability amid challenging economic circumstances.
