Cinkarna Celje in Antwerp to Improve Conditions for European Industry
27. 02. 2025
Celje, 27 February 2025 – One year after the publication of the Antwerp Declaration was published, 400 business leaders gathered once again in Antwerp yesterday to discuss the newly released Clean Industry Deal with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Ahead of the March European Council meeting, the industry is now urging EU heads of state to immediately adopt urgent measures to protect the European economy across all member states.
European industry is facing historic challenges: falling demand, halted investments, reduced capacities, and gas prices in the EU that are four to five times higher than those of competitors. Between 2023 and 2024, European manufacturing – a sector employing more than 31 million people – shrank by a further 2.6%.
“The European economy is under increasing pressure. China has surplus production capacity in many sectors and is strengthening its export power. Production costs are higher here, while demand is lower. Plants across Europe are closing, people are losing their jobs. That is why, last year, we at Cinkarna Celje decided to sign the Antwerp Declaration. By attending yesterday’s meeting, we wanted to send a clear message to the European leadership that Europe cannot afford to be dependent on imports of essential raw materials - or chemicals. More decisive action is needed to improve the business environment for energy-intensive companies in the EU,” said Aleš Skok, CEO of Cinkarna Celje, who responded to the invitation to meet with President von der Leyen.
To overcome these challenges, over 1,300 European business leaders signed a declaration last February outlining 10 concrete measures to restore business investment, achieve Europe’s sustainability ambitions, and preserve quality jobs in Europe.
CEFIC (European Chemical Industry Council) calls for all new EU initiatives to be assessed against the following criteria: do they ensure Europe’s security and independence, reduce energy costs, ease the burden on businesses, attract investment to Europe, create markets for sustainable products, and maintain quality jobs in Europe? If the answer to any of these questions is negative, EU policymakers should reconsider and appropriately amend the proposals.
The Antwerp Declaration remains a vital call to revive Europe’s industrial base. The European industry stands ready to contribute its share and continue supporting policymakers in shaping a competitive, resilient, and sustainable future for Europe amid a changing geopolitical landscape.