Today, President von der Leyen held the first Strategic Dialogue on the future of the chemical industry in Europe with sector representatives. Executive Vice-President Séjourné and Commissioner Roswall also participated. The aim is to identify priorities to support the chemical industrys competitiveness, emphasizing sustainability and safety.
The President recognized the sectors key role in daily life, from batteries to fashion. The chemical industry provides crucial input to sectors like defense, healthcare, and energy, employing over a million people in the EU.
The President reiterated the Commissions commitment to boosting European industry by supporting innovation, focusing on the Clean Industrial Deal and its four pillars: reducing energy costs, improving capital access, enhancing skills, and simplification, as well as diversifying supply chains.
Sector representatives called for the swift implementation of the Competitiveness Compass, the Clean Industrial Deal, and the Affordable Energy Action Plan. Discussions included high energy costs, unfair trade practices, the impact of US tariffs, and support for digital and green transitions. Regulatory complexity was also addressed.
To maintain EU leadership in chemical safety, the President announced an Action Plan for the chemical sector, a sector-specific Omnibus, and a Chemicals Industry Package by the years end. Consumer protection and competitiveness remain central.
The President and participants agreed to stay in close contact to ensure the interests of the industry, workers, and European consumers are protected.