Barcelona, 4 June 2026 – The European Chemical Regions Network (ECRN), within the framework of Expoquimia 2026, organised the high-level debate “From Brussels to the Regions: Delivering Europe’s Chemical Industry Recovery”, bringing together representatives of the European Commission, regional governments and industry to discuss the future competitiveness of Europe’s chemical sector.
The event took place at the International Meeting Point of Expoquimia and focused on the key challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s chemical industry at a time of profound industrial transformation. Discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong industrial base in Europe as a prerequisite for strategic autonomy, economic security, innovation and sustainability.
The debate featured contributions from:
- Jaume Baró Torres, Secretary of Enterprise and Competitiveness, Generalitat de Catalunya – ACCIÓ and President of ECRN for 2026–2027;
- Guido Guidesi, Vice-President of ECRN and Minister for Economic Development of Regione Lombardia;
- Stephan Satijn, Vice-President of ECRN and Minister of Economy and Finance of Provincie Limburg;
- Algreit Dume, Policy Officer, European Commission, DG GROW;
- Maria Dolors Nuñez, Honorary Member and Independent Expert of ECRN;
The discussion was moderated by Folco Ciulli, Executive Director of ECRN.
Participants examined the implementation of the recently adopted European Chemicals Industry Action Plan, the ongoing work of the Critical Chemicals Alliance, and the role of regions in supporting industrial resilience, investment and innovation. Speakers underlined that Europe’s chemical industry remains essential for countless industrial value chains and for the continent’s economic and strategic resilience.
A central theme emerging from the debate was the growing importance of implementation. While significant progress has been made in identifying critical molecules, strategic production capacities and investment needs, speakers stressed that success will depend on translating European ambitions into concrete action on the ground.
Regional authorities were recognised as key actors in this process. Regions provide the industrial ecosystems where innovation is developed, skills are built, infrastructure is deployed and investments materialise. Ensuring that Europe remains an attractive location for critical chemical production will require close cooperation between European institutions, Member States, regions and industry.
Commenting on the event, ECRN representatives emphasised that strengthening competitiveness, securing affordable and reliable energy, fostering innovation and providing a predictable regulatory framework are indispensable conditions for the future of Europe’s chemical industry.
The event was also attended by Carles Navarro, President of the Expoquimia Organising Committee at Fira de Barcelona, who delivered the closing remarks on behalf of the host organisation. In his intervention, Navarro emphasised the strategic importance of Europe’s chemical industry and underlined the urgency of moving from analysis to implementation.
The event reaffirmed ECRN’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between European institutions, industrial regions and stakeholders, while supporting the implementation of policies that strengthen Europe’s industrial base and strategic autonomy.
Prior to the conference, the ECRN Executive Board met at Expoquimia to define the network’s priorities for the period ahead and to present the organisation’s new visual identity, marking an important step in strengthening ECRN’s visibility and outreach.
ECRN would like to express its sincere gratitude to Expoquimia and ACCIÓ for the invitation to participate in this important event and for the excellent organisation.
