European Commission launches Clean Industrial Deal in Antwerp
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is in Antwerp to present a plan to strengthen European industry, while keeping it sufficiently sustainable. With the Clean Industrial Deal, the Commission aims to make energy cheaper, adjust state aid rules and reduce administrative obligations.
A year after a previous European industry summit in the port of Antwerp, Von der Leyen is presenting the Clean Industrial Deal, with which she wants to enable the European industry to compete with Chinese and American competitors.
400 CEOs and representatives of the European industry were due to attend. Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever and Flemish minister president Matthias Diependaele are also attending.
“We know that too many obstacles still stand in the way of our European companies, from high energy prices to excessive regulatory burden,” Von der Leyen said in a press release. “The Clean Industrial Deal is to cut the ties that still hold our companies back and make a clear business case for Europe.”
The Clean Industrial Deal event in Antwerp © BELGA VIDEO MAARTEN WEYNANTS
The plan focuses on energy-intensive industries and cleantech, and should make Europe more competitive in a changing world while working towards the goal of making the EU a low-carbon economy by 2050. Critics, however, denounce a backward step in terms of climate policy.
Simplifying rules
The Clean Industrial Deal includes simplifying the rules around granting state aid, adding criteria around sustainability in public and private tenders, and accelerating electrification as a way to lower electricity prices.
The aim by 2030 is to install 100 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity every year. Through the plan, the Commission hopes to mobilise 100 billion euros to support climate-friendly production in the EU.
“The Clean Industrial Deal is to cut the ties that still hold our companies back and make a clear business case for Europe”
In addition, the Commission is proposing legislation on easing reporting and administrative burdens. It would reduce the scope of companies' obligation to report on the social and environmental risks they face and on the impact of their activities on people and the environment.
The choice to meet in Antwerp is no coincidence: it is home to Europe's largest chemical cluster. The chemical sector has been hit extra hard by the crisis, as it needs a lot of energy for its processes. Last year, more than 1,100 jobs were lost in the Belgian chemicals and plastics sector alone.
#FlandersNewsService | The Clean Industrial Deal event in Antwerp © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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