There is no resilient, nor safe, nor strong Europe without a strong industry

On 11 February, in Antwerp, Europe’s industrial leadership, joined by Fertilizers Europe, delivered a clear warning: without a strong industrial base, Europe cannot remain resilient, secure, or globally competitive. More than 500 business leaders and 30 factory workers stood alongside European political leaders, emphasizing that investment is shifting elsewhere, manufacturing sites are under pressure, and confidence is eroding. The time for diagnosis has passed, Europe now needs swift action.

Through the Antwerp Call to Action, industry, including the fertilizer sector, is urging EU leaders to adopt a targeted package of Emergency Industrial Policy Measures to restore investment certainty, strengthen Europe’s production base, and close the competitiveness gap:

• Bring energy and carbon costs down – The costs of energy in Europe are simply too high to compete and are not only driven by commodity prices but also by regulatory charges.
• Support fair global trade and improved access to finance – Free trade agreements or other agreements should secure vital supplies for industry, enable access to new markets, and increase exports. The EU should look at all policy instruments against unfair competition to ensure a real level playing field for EU industries both domestically and internationally, including carbon leakage protection.
• Be proud to buy products made in Europe – Lead the way through public procurement and private buyer initiatives endorsed by the EU. Empower consumers, both businesses and individuals, to choose net-zero and circular products, based on transparent product and environmental carbon footprints, supporting high-quality jobs in Europe.

Europe’s future depends on a strong industry. The time to act is not next year, not next week, but today.

📥Download the full Antwerp Call to Action here