The Non-Ferrous Metals industry very much welcomes the adoption of the European Commission’s Communication: “An Integrated Industrial Policy for the Globalisation Era”.

The European Non-Ferrous Metals industry is firmly committed to the principles of Sustainable Development. It has demonstrated over the years, through the reduction of its emissions, the integration and optimisation of recycling, and the optimal use of natural resources, how the metals industry and its products contribute to the growth and sustainable objectives of European society. Its
products are an essential building block on which all other industrial sectors rely on for innovation, more efficient operations, and, ultimately, better goods offered to the European consumer.

The Commission’s Europe 2020 Strategy acknowledges for the first time the need for a fresh approach to Industrial Policy, by presenting it as a flagship initiative. Eurometaux supports this initiative and the stronger commitment demonstrated by the European institutions to developing a comprehensive industrial policy that is fully integrated with other key policies such as Energy, Access to Raw Materials, Environment, and Trade. In developing an industrial policy, it is imperative for a
comprehensive strategy, taking an integrated approach, to ensure that EU policies that have an impact on industry’s competitiveness are assessed properly and that coordinated specific responses are made to address significant impacts on competitiveness.

EU institutions have a key role to play in order to ensure stable conditions for investment, operations
and trade for industry. EU institutions must fully integrate industry-relevant policies involving the
relevant DGs of the European Commission. Much more than is currently the case, this strategy must also take into account the challenges and opportunities of EU policies for various sectors and regions by means of a more micro-economic impact assessment, and should ensure that solid data and scientific evidence are used when developing policies.

We look forward to a fruitful dialogue with all stakeholders, and to participating fully in the development of the specific points in the new EU Industrial Policy. We take this opportunity to thank the Commission for the attention it has given to the non-ferrous metals sector and its specific needs in order to remain competitive and thereby to ensure its continued presence in Europe.

For further information, please contact:
Eurometaux – European Association of Metals
Guy Thiran, Secretary-General
Tel. +32 2 775 63 10
E-mail: thiran@eurometaux.be
Website: http://www.eurometaux.eu