CEFIC calls for strengthening EU single market

CEFIC (European Chemical Industry Council), together with 25 other regional industry associations in issuing a joint statement calling on the European Union (EU) to realize the true potential of the single market.

The statement outlines the challenges EU faces in maintaining its competitiveness in the global landscape, particularly in light of increasing competition from the United States and China. Participating associations said the focus should be on improving the business environment and removing obstacles that prevent companies from operating in EU.

The statement underlines the importance of revitalizing the single market to drive the EU's strategic agenda and ensure that European industry rapidly implements the green and digital transformation.

Signatories to the joint statement recommend the following actions: 

1. Revitalize the momentum for European integration by deepening the EU single market to enhance EU competitiveness;

2. Develop and implement an ambitious plan to overcome and prevent fragmentation in the areas of environment, energy, digitalization, connectivity, security, health, banking and capital;

3. Remove all cross-border trade barriers in the single market and reinvigorate the principle of free movement;

4. Reduce unnecessary reporting obligations, application uncertainty, administrative burden and compliance costs;

5. Simplify the activities of public administrations to deepen and better implement the single market;

6. Strengthen consultation and cooperation activities with enterprises and remove obstacles.

According to data from CEFIC, EU remains the second largest chemicals production region after China, with annual sales of chemicals exceeding 760 billion euros. From 2012 to 2022, the EU's share of global chemical sales dropped from 17% to 14%. In the current market environment, people are even more worried that this share will decline. Some European countries have begun to financially support the chemical industry. But CEFIC believes that this is not enough to ensure Europe's long-term survival as a major force in the global chemicals market.

Marco Mensink, Director General of CEFIC, commented: "In an increasingly complex geopolitical world, Europe must use all its strengths. Our core strength is the single market. We need to cherish, nurture, improve and expand it, like the single market for waste. A well-functioning single market is vital for Europe's future prosperity and competition. "