Strong industry call for a European Industrial Deal

Today, industry leaders convened in Antwerp to discuss how to restore Europe’s competitiveness with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. At the summit organised by the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer emphasised the imperative of firm political commitment to a European Industrial Deal to complement the Green Deal, and foster a more competitive, resilient and sustainable Europe. He specifically addressed the issue of long and complex industrial permitting in the EU. “According to our recent survey, for more than 8 in 10 companies the time it takes to secure permits is a barrier to investing in Europe. We need structural changes now.”