Brussels 15 June 2010 –. In advance of the European Union summit of Heads of State and Government, the European social partners of the chemical industry have called on the leaders of the EU to make clear that a 20% (rather than 30%) target in emissions savings is the European goal and to unequivocally declare support for Europe’s industry.

In a joint letter to the Presidents of the Commission, the Council and the Parliament, José Manuel Barroso, Herman Van Rompuy and Jerzy Buzek, the ECEG (European Chemical Employers Group) and EMCEF (European Mine, Chemical and Energy Workers’ Federation) argue that the chemical sector is uniquely placed to drive economic and environmental improvement in Europe.

The letter argues that 30% savings could be delivered with a shared international responsibility and it also notes that the products of the chemical industry already help deliver greenhouse gas savings 2-3 times greater than their emissions, with evidence that with an effective global policy framework, this could rise to a ratio of more than 4:1 by 2030.

Simon Marsh from ECEG said: “Without an international agreement on climate change, the strengthening of the reduction target would unnecessarily punish European industry. The competitiveness of our sector and with it our ability to manufacture products used to help everyone to save energy would severely suffer due to the lack of a level playing field.”

Reinhard Reibsch from EMCEF added: “Whilst recognising the need for an EU policy against climate change, we must seek to avoid job losses in energy intensive industries. A further increase of the agreed 20% target would create enormous risks for employment.”

Contact Name: Fiona Ferguson