This ECRN paper outlines a comprehensive approach to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of Europe’s chemical industry. Recognized as a key driver of long-term economic growth and environmental stewardship, the sector requires targeted strategies and regulatory reforms to overcome its current challenges.

Key areas for immediate and long-term focus include:

• Strengthening EU Trade Regulations and Secure Material Supplies
  We emphasizes the need to safeguard the European chemical industry by strengthening anti-dumping measures, expanding sanctions on Russia and Belarus, and reforming customs systems to ensure compliance with EU standards. It advocates for securing raw material supplies through investments in infrastructure, partnerships with third countries, and supply chain diversification.
• Modernizing Europe’s Energy Infrastructure and Promoting Low Carbon Energies and Renewables
  Modernizing energy infrastructure is critical to meet growing demands, integrate renewables, and support industrial decarbonization. The paper calls for streamlined administrative processes for energy projects, investment in hydrogen and carbon capture technologies, and revisions to the EU ETS Directive and CBAM to ensure global competitiveness.
• Coherence of Chemical Regulations with the European Green Deal for Sustainable Industry Transformation
  Aligning regulations with the European Green Deal is vital to achieving sustainability goals. The paper highlights the importance of simplifying REACH, supporting chemical recycling, promoting green public procurement, and incentivizing the use of recycled materials. Clear and harmonized regulatory frameworks are necessary to foster innovation and attract investments.
• Reforming Education to Drive Innovation in the European Chemical Industry
  To support the industry’s evolution, the paper stresses the need for education reform, including updated curricula and stronger collaborations between academia and industry. It promotes hands-on training, dual education systems, and the integration of digital technologies to prepare a skilled workforce aligned with the needs of Industry 5.0.

In response to the challenges facing the European chemical industry, ECRN strongly urge the European Commission to establish a high-level political working group to define strategic pathways for revitalizing this critical sector. The group’s mandate should encompass examining regulatory coherence with the European Green Deal, supporting sustainable industrial transformation, and enhancing raw material security.

Please find the position paper here: The future of the European Chemical Industry