European chemical industry calls for setting up a European Advisory Group on chemicals

23-Jan-2003

At the EU Commission Conference debate, "Industrial Policy in an Enlarged Europe" today in Brussels, Eggert Voscherau, President of Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, launched the idea of setting up a European Advisory Group on chemicals, following the example of the aerospace industry. This Advisory Group, composed of Members of the EU Commission, the Parliament and industry leaders should analyse the adequacy of the existing policy framework for the chemical industry in Europe and make proposals ensuring that the chemical industry can continue to be a major contributor to Europe's economic development. Eggert Voscherau is floating this idea because he wants to help meeting the goal set at the 2000 Lisbon EU Council of 'making the EU by 2010 the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion'. The future of Europe will also depend on its ability to innovate. In global competition, innovative ideas search for the best framework conditions leading to their economic exploitation - just as capital looks for the best return in the global financial markets. The chemical industry welcomes the initiative of the Commission on an Industrial Policy in an enlarged Europe. It agrees with the Commission that industrial policy itself has to develop new and less intensive regulatory instruments, focused on the results rather than the means to be used, leaving scope for industry to find its own technical solutions and engaging the commitment of industry. Instruments such as business impact assessments and cost-benefit analysis are already part of Commission policy. They should become an integral part of every legislative initiative. The chemical industry believes it can continue to make a positive contribution to Europe, provided the framework conditions are supportive.

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/19468/european-chemical-industry-calls-for-setting-up-a-european-advisory-group-on-chemicals.html