Bondalti signed the “Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Pact”, a document that underlines the industry's commitment to Europe and its transformation, and which lists a set of urgent needs, within the framework of economic, geopolitical and competitiveness challenges on a global scale.
The declaration was signed by 73 leaders from nearly 20 industrial sectors, who presented the document to Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium (the country that presides over the European Union), and to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in what was her first public event after the announcement of her re-nomination for office.
Bondalti was represented at the signing ceremony by João de Mello, president of the company and simultaneously a member of the Board of Directors of CEFIC - European Chemical Industry Council, the most important association in the chemical sector in Europe.
During the European Industry Summit, held in Antwerp, the leaders of the basic industrial sectors, which represent 550 billion euros in added value and 7.8 million workers in Europe, joined forces with unions and European leaders to address concerns related to the industrial context in this continent. Backed by a wide range of sectors, the “Antwerp Declaration” underlines the crucial importance of clarity, predictability and trust in European industrial policy.
“Europe's core industries are facing historic challenges: demand is decreasing, investments in the continent are stagnating, production has declined significantly, and factories are under threat. We want to drive the transformation of our companies. For this, we urgently need decisive action to create the conditions for greater business motivation in Europe. The “Antwerp Declaration” outlines a path to follow. By placing the European Industrial Pact at the forefront of Europe's strategic agenda, the EU will pave the way for a resilient, competitive and sustainable Europe. This is the only way to show the rest of the world that the Ecological Pact works for everyone,” said CEFIC president, Martin Brudermüller.
To overcome the challenges, the statement lists 10 concrete actions, including the integration of the EU Industrial Pact into the wider European Strategic Agenda, the rationalization of legislation, and the simplification of the state aid framework. The statement calls for Europe to become a world leader in providing abundant and affordable low-carbon energy, through strategic partnerships and solid infrastructure, together with greater support for EU projects. Stresses the need to ensure the self-sufficiency of raw materials, to promote the demand for sustainable products and to foster innovation. The European single market is also highlighted as an asset that must be harnessed and revitalized, together with the establishment of a new legislative spirit that encourages investment and a cohesive internal structure for effective policy implementation.
The “Antwerp Declaration” is an urgent call to revitalize Europe's industrial reality, strengthening the basic industrial sectors, ensuring their competitiveness, sustainability and resilience in a changing geopolitical context. And it underlines the will of the industry to contribute to a stronger Europe. Only with a robust industrial fabric and a reinforced social dialogue at European level can it be guaranteed that the ecological transition is just. The Declaration signifies a collaborative effort to face challenges and lays the groundwork for a resumption of industrial investment, marking the beginning of the implementation of the European Ecological Pact.
The signatories of the Declaration include representatives from various sectors, namely chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paper, steel, mines, aluminum, glass, zinc, metals, textiles, refineries, cement, lime, fertilizers, ceramics, industrial gases, and biotechnology.
Full statement available hereto.
