Around 70 CEOs unveiled a plan for a European Industrial Deal designed to counter the European Green Deal on Tuesday in Antwerp.
Leading executives from 20 energy-intensive sectors, including the heads of multinationals BASF, Bayer and Ineos gathered at BASF's chemical production site in Antwerp, which generates over 35,000 jobs.
They presented the Antwerp Declaration to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo at the Port of Antwerp.
Belgium's industrial sector has laid out a plan to "tackle over-regulation, create a transition fund for investment and ensure the availability of competitive, low-carbon energy through the right partnerships and infrastructure." The signatories argue that it is not possible to achieve the climate objectives currently on the table without hampering economic growth.
The declaration therefore constitutes a call for "a new spirit of legislation that does not hinder investment but attracts it, and ensures greater coherence in the implementation of policies."
The proposal also highlights the necessity of keeping jobs in Europe and supporting the internal market.
European priorities shift
Having just announced that she will run for a second term as Commission President, Von der Leyen is under pressure to appeal to an increasingly right-wing European Parliament. This may entail a shift away from the Green Deal and more focus on industry and migration.
The German politician's parliamentary group, the European People's Party (EPP), has already demonstrated a willingness to undermine key files of the Green Deal when catering to skeptical audiences such as farmers and industry. For instance, its repeated attempts to sabotage the landmark Nature Restoration Law led to accusations of the party spreading misinformation and championing 'European Trumpism'.
Separately, Belgium has listed industrial competitiveness as a key priority during its rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU. During an address to the European Parliament in January, De Croo outlined the country's plan to make climate policy more favourable to industry.
"The climate policies of China and the US contain an abundance of carrots for their industry," he told MEPs in Strasbourg. "While we, here in Europe, all too often we grab for the stick."
The Antwerp Declaration will be discussed by European leaders at a Summit in April.
