Surge in support for ‘Antwerp declaration’ as signatories reach 1,000

Brussels - The recently issued Antwerp Declaration has seen a surge in support, having gained 1,000 signatories from European business leaders calling for a new 'industrial deal' in the EU.

The signatories include European companies, associations and trade unions representing 25 sectors across the region, said the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) 11 April.

First presented by 73 industry leaders on 20 Feb, the declaration advocates for the industrial deal to be at the core of the EU's next strategic agenda, with a European Commission VP designated to oversee its implementation. (ERJ report)

Main issues include: addressing regulatory inconsistency; public funding mechanisms; affordable energy; raw-materials security; innovation; and infrastructure development.

In its latest statement, Cefic emphasised the urgency of the deal, noting that the future of Europe is “made with industry”.

“A common and holistic European approach for an Industrial Deal is essential,” said Marco Mensink, Cefic director general.

“We urge EU leaders to include our call in the new EU Strategic Agenda and policies for the next five years and embed [this] into the structure, budget, and fabric of the new European Commission,” Mensink concluded.