Summary
The departure of the UK from the EU presents significant political and economic uncertainties that could adversely affect the chemical industry’s viability, competitiveness, and employment across Europe. Cefic, ECEG, and industriAll highlight the importance of the chemical industry as a cornerstone of sustainable development, providing substantial employment and essential solutions to other sectors. Ensuring smooth trade, maintaining customs procedures, preserving regulatory consistency, and safeguarding workers’ rights are key to minimising Brexit-related disruptions. Advocating for a transition period and coherent EU-UK industrial policies, the organisations stress the need for united efforts to uphold the industry’s growth and stability.
Key recommendations
- Social Dialogue: The future success of the European chemical industry, and industrial activity in general, will be achieved through respectful interaction between public authorities and the Social Partners.
- Trade and Tariffs: Maintaining duty-free access and introducing minimal customs barriers are crucial to avoid increased production costs and job losses in Europe’s chemical industry.
- Free Movement: Continuation of the free movement of employees and securing the status for existing EU-UK workers is essential for addressing skill shortages and maintaining global talent access.
- Investment: Further investment leakage impacting the European chemical industry should be avoided and the continued inclusion of the UK in European research programmes and institutes must be ensured.
- Regulatory Consistency: Harmonised EU-UK regulatory standards, especially in product safety and environmental legislation, are vital to avoid duplicative costs and ensure smooth trade relations post-Brexit.