Europe out to support chemicals industry -- but at a price
Summary
Europe is moving to support its struggling chemicals industry as high energy costs and global competition squeeze producers, but environmental groups warn the effort could lock in pollution and hazardous substances. The European Commission’s new Critical Chemicals Alliance is meeting in France amid growing concern over jobs, market share and the pace of the sector’s clean transition.
Key Points
- Europe, led by France, is pushing to support its chemicals industry as producers face high energy prices and fierce global competition.
- The European Commission has launched the Critical Chemicals Alliance to help define which chemical production should be protected as strategically important.
- Industry groups warn of closures, lost jobs and shrinking market share, while environmental organizations fear weaker health and climate protections.
- The debate centers on balancing industrial competitiveness with environmental and public-health concerns, including PFAS and other hazardous substances.
