Europe's flat glass manufacturers welcome the mid-term review of the EU's integrated industrial policy for the horizon 2020. In particular, they welcome that sustainable construction and related manufacturing industries are recognized as essential for boosting Europe's economy. In doing so, the European Commission echoes a strong conviction of Glass for Europe that sustainable construction and building renovation should become primary drivers of the transition towards a competitive low-carbon economy.
For European industrial actors eager to develop and manufacture innovative products in Europe, urgent policy actions are needed. They must all be designed in such a way as to ensure a level-playing field between EU based manufacturers and competitors from third countries. In that regard, Bertrand Cazes, Secretary General of Glass for Europe, highlights that 'ensuring effective protection against carbon leakage is a pre-requisite'.
Glass for Europe also welcomes the Commission's intention to pay greater attention to the competitiveness of European based industries before signing new free trade agreements. In today's difficult economic climate, European flat glass manufacturers cannot afford that EU markets become flooded with products coming from third country competitors, which do not face the same constraints and have access to cheap energy.
Glass for Europe members are eager to manufacture in Europe the products that will help deliver Europe's low carbon future. By embracing this approach, Europe can re-industrialize its economy but the promised urgent actions to support European manufacturing must be realized quickly.
