Brussels, 26 September 2018 – Presenting its recommendations for a competitive Europe to a European Council Working Group last week, in the form of a manifesto, Cefic called on the European Commission to develop a strategy for the future of industry.
In a phone interview with POLITICO following the meeting, Cefic Executive Director René van Sloten said Cefic wanted the Commission to think ahead, to ensure that industry can continue to vie globally with its rivals. The Commission should develop a plan that “enables the industry to transform by creating a favourable business environment that stimulates innovation,” as well as monitoring the cumulative cost of different regulations on industry and prioritising competitiveness for industry in policymaking. “We’re committed to Europe, we want to continue to be active in Europe and continue making jobs and growth in Europe,” he said. “But for that certain conditions need to be fulfilled … it can only be done if you’re competitive.”