Marcourt opens conference on energy challenges confronting European industry
Within the framework of his presidency of the Competiveness Council, industry sector, the Minister for Economic Affairs Jean-Claude Marcourt opened the conference on the energy challenges confronting European industry.
The conference brought together some 300 participants from the worlds of business, labour, academics and public authorities.
The European Commission was extensively represented by actors involved in implementing the new industrial policy. For the first time in the history of the Industry Council, the European social partners, represented by Peter Scherrer of the European Metalworkers’ Federation and Joel Decaillon of the European Trade Unions Confederation, expressed views on the European plans regarding industry and energy.
They welcomed the projects of the Commission and congratulated the Belgian Presidency for raising the profile of the industrial policy among the priorities, along with the involvement of the social partners.
Peter Scherrer in particular suggested the establishment of a European agenda for traceability.
A debate was also opened with Isabelle Muller, Secretary General of the European Petroleum Industry Association Europia, the European organization for petroleum refining. She pointed out that petroleum still represents the bulk of energy consumption and that 10 years from now, it will still represent some 80% of the overall consumption in Europe. She also pointed out the importance of integrating the aspect of transport in the considerations of industrial leaders.
One should recall that in Louvain-La-Neuve the delegations had already insisted on the articulation between industry and other European policies. Philippe Rosier of Business Europe noted that one must remain prudent with regard to the goal of reduction of CO2 emissions by 30% by the year 2050 and suggested strictly upholding the commitment of 20% announced in Copenhagen. All of the speakers as well as the participants insisted on the role of innovation as the driver for the transition.
Conference on energy challenges
