2023-02-17 Energy Intensive Industries request to be at the center of the Green Deal Industrial Plan

The Energy Intensive Industries (EII, for its acronym in English: Energy-Intensive Industries), among which is the European Association of Fertilizer Manufacturers (Fertilizers Europe) as a representative of the sector, have published a press release in which point out the importance of the competitiveness of European industry vis-à-vis its international competitors as a key factor in the energy transition, and its relevance for creating long-term sustainable growth for our economy. In particular, the EII emphasizes the following concepts:

- EIIs are critical to providing affordable products, materials and energy to low carbon and renewable value chains. Therefore, to preserve its competitiveness, it is essential to reduce dependence on imported products, promote long-term sustainable growth of the European economy and contribute to the reduction of emissions worldwide.

- To achieve these goals, it is essential to develop a comprehensive and coherent financial framework based on support for strategic value chains and with a strong focus on IBDs, as they facilitate the transition towards a climate-neutral and circular economy in Europe.

- The Green Deal Industrial Plan should take the example of the US IRA Act, which shows that it is possible to have a proactive industrial policy, supporting long-term investment based on a technology-neutral principle and a complete supply chain approach. worth.

- It is essential that the European Union reassess its industrial policy with a focus on international competitiveness, and that it develop a favorable legislative framework that reduces red tape, attracts investment and ensures policy coherence and legal certainty.

- Strong emphasis should be placed on the decarbonisation of energy-intensive sectors, focusing on a wide range of technologies (such as hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization and storage, low-carbon products, etc.) and on development of the proper infrastructure.

- European companies have suffered from skyrocketing energy prices, risking widening the competitive imbalance with the US and other competitors if high energy costs continue. The strategy must include measures to guarantee access to affordable, renewable and low-carbon energy, seeking the decarbonisation of the industry.

- The European legislative framework must be reassessed and improved by: simplifying the conditions for access to European Union funds, especially for IBDs, creating new support schemes based on a technology-neutral principle, and reducing administrative costs. and legislation for the industry.

Providing direct employment to 2.6 million people, EIIs remain ready to engage with the Commission, Parliament and Member States to achieve successful outcomes for their sector and all those involved.



Link to the Press Release on the Fertilizers Europe website: https://www.fertilizerseurope.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/EIIs-High-Level-Statement-on-the-Green-Deal-Industrial-Plan-February-2023.pdf