The European REACH Regulation has been in force for 5 years and a review of the legislation, its implementation and impacts is due in 2012. The European Chemical Regions Network is preparing to contribute to the process from the regional perspective. The network will outline the chemical regions’ proposals and priorities in a position paper in early 2012.

In addition to the preparations and deliberations within the network, the ECRN is engaged in discussions with other stakeholders. Most recent example of this was ECRN participation in a workshop organised by the European Commission on 6 December to discuss the impact of REACH on competitiveness and innovation in the chemical industry. At the event, the Director of the ECRN Secretariat, Dr. Hanny Nover, participated in panel discussions with representatives from other European organizations such as Cefic, Emcef, Eurometaux and UEAPME to outline the regional perspective and contributions on the issue.