ECRN is committed to strengthening the position of the chemical regions in the EU decision-making process. As a network of regional authorities, ECRN speaks with a strong united voice and leverage the political support that it receives from its members. At the same time, the ECRN’ Secretariat has developed and maintains extended relations with the European Parliament, the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions, as well as with Regional and National Representations.
As the socio-economic conditions, in which the chemical industry operates, are more and more determined by European directives and regulations, ECRN takes a stand when the EU legislation negatively affects the growth, competitiveness and sustainability of the chemical industry.
OUR POSITIONS:
-
An Industrial Policy for Europe – Joint Position Paper between CEFIC and ECRN
It is crucial that the future EU Industrial Policy Strategy represents a coherent action plan that brings together and streamlines measures in a variety of EU policy areas and departmental responsibilities. For an Industrial Policy Strategy to be successful it must enable the industry to transform, by creating a favorable business environment that stimulates innovation and investment in Europe.
-
Vision of ECRN on the review proposal of the European ETS
As many companies are active on the world markets, it is crucial that in their development towards a low carbon future, a full-fledged protection system against the risk of carbon leakage can become active.
-
The CoR opinion on bioeconomy
ECRN Member Regions provided an important input for the progress of the Committee of the Regions’ opinion on “Local and Regional dimension of Bioeconomy and the role of regions and cities”. In its final adopted text, ECRN is stated as one of the interregional networks making a major contribution to expanding the Bioeconomy, as well as being an important mechanism for developing strategies and coordinating the exchange of knowledge at local and regional level. The CoR recognizes that a network such as ECRN often serves as a link between the local, regional, national and EU level.
-
The REACH REFIT evaluation
REACH remains consistent with the current needs. For further implementation of REACH, it is important to maintain a stable legal and regulatory framework. The predictability and clarity of the regulatory framework is important not only for the industry and SMEs in particular, but also for the consistency and efficiency of implementation and work done in the Member States and European regions.
-
Sustainable chemistry for life. The role of chemistry in the European bioeconomy
The strong chemical industry in Europe can play a strong catalytic role in speeding up sustainable innovations. Regional experiences and approaches can be shared beyond the clusters and developed into broader strategies. The cross-cutting nature of the bioeconomy should be recognized in regional policy making in terms of sufficient coordination that spans also the policy implementation phase.