Czech Business Today

European industrial leaders embraced the Antwerp Declaration on 20th February 2024, advocating for a European Industrial Deal to complement the Green Deal and focus on supporting industry in the EU. The declaration aims to enhance competitiveness by promoting sustainable and innovative technologies, particularly in energy-intensive sectors like the chemical industry. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended the meeting, emphasizing the need for strategic actions to bolster industrial infrastructure, internal market support, raw material security, and industrial innovation within the EU.

Signatories from the Czech Republic include the Confederation of Industry of Czech Republic, the Steel Union, the Czech Association of the Petroleum Industry and Trade, The Confederation of Employers and Business Association of the Czech Republic, The Czech Chamber of Commerce and also the SUAS GROUP. “The goal of the initiative is to highlight the rapidly deteriorating competitiveness of the European industry. Concerns arise not only from development in energy-intensive sectors such as steel, paper, and chemicals but also from the situation in related industries, such as the automotive industry,” said Daniel Urban, the general director of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic and chairman of the Steel Industry Union.

In addition, declaration, highlights the importance of reducing bureaucratic barriers to industrial development within the EU. The upcoming Commission is urged to prioritize coordination in achieving these goals, akin to the approach taken for the Green Deal. Originally concentrated in the chemical industry, the declaration now boasts over 800 signatories from 20 industrial sectors, with around 550 companies and over 170 associations. It extends beyond chemical industries to encompass all industrial sectors and promotes the transfer of scientific knowledge to industry.

The declaration may be deliberated upon by EU heads of state and government at the European Council in April, serving as an opportunity for European industry players, including Czech entities, to influence the EU’s future actions. For Czech firms, the declaration presents a chance to advocate for increased industrial roles within EU member states. Additionally, it offers opportunities for Czech signatories to connect with like-minded industry representatives across the EU.

In addition, Czech Association of Petroleum Industry and Trade (ČAPPO) has joined the declaration. “ČAPPO perceives the Antwerp Declaration as a crucial document for further rational initiatives of the European industry, prioritizing the preservation of competitiveness. We believe that there will also be a change in perspective on the Green Deal within the EU. ČAPPO unanimously joined this declaration,” stated Václav Loula, spokesperson for ČAPPO, emphasizing the urgent need for the EU to conclude an industrial agreement alongside the Green Deal. 

The Antwerp Declaration outlines ten urgent measures to aid European industry while maintaining the climate goals outlined in the Green Deal. With 973 organizations from 25 sectors endorsing the declaration, including numerous Czech industrial associations and companies, its influence continues to grow. The success of the Antwerp Declaration hinges on pressure from EU member states, particularly major economies.  Ultimately, the Antwerp Declaration signals a shift towards prioritizing industrial competitiveness within the EU’s policy agenda, alongside environmental sustainability objectives. 

Sources: The Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, iDnes, businessinfo, echo24, Czech Association of Petroleum Industry and Trade, The Czech Chamber of Commerce