Czech Business Today
EESC CORNER: European and Czech Glass Industry and European Policies
The EESC adopted an opinion on the glass industry and threats which should be avoided by adjusting policies of the EU if we seriously care about this traditional European industry. The economic downturn has had a serious impact on the glass industry and resulted in the reduction of capacity and production and significant job losses.
In order to safeguard jobs and establish a proper investment climate for Europe’s glass industry, it is essential to address major challenges through a European industrial policy for the glass industry seeking balance between the three pillars of sustainability: the economic, the social and the environmental. The EU must use all the tools at its disposal to revitalize demand and tap into the potential of glass products for supporting the transition to a low-carbon, energy-efficient and circular economy. Targeted initiatives – such as targets and robust measures to reduce energy consumption in buildings as well as the rapid development of an EU energy window labeling, support to R&D, improved glass collection and recycling and a policy-based return to economic growth in key sectors (e.g. building, automotive and renewables) – must take place. An industrial policy for the European glass sector must reinforce the competitiveness of the European based manufacturers: by ensuring a level playing field with competitors from outside Europe with regards to the cumulative costs generated by implementing Europe’s environmental legislation; by providing better regulation and a predictable regulatory environment; by addressing the high cost of energy in the upcoming Energy Union.
Coordination and harmonization of European policies are essential (energy, climate, research, trade, environment, competition, employment, etc.). The revision of the EU ETS post-2020 must be based on robust evidence and take into account the sector’s limited room for further reduction of its GHG emissions. The EU ETS must guarantee that glass installations receive the full amount of free allowances they need according to the benchmark and real production levels.
Josef Zbořil
Member of Group I – Employers
