Belgium – The CEOs of the port companies of Antwerp-Bruges, North Sea Port, Duisburg and Rotterdam are calling on European government leaders to work together to find a solution to the industry’s deteriorating position. On the eve of the European Industry Summit, they underline the importance of the recently drafted Antwerp Declaration.
The CEOs are concerned about the survival of industry in Europe. The top leaders say they want to take the lead in improving the investment climate for industry in Europe, so that companies want to invest in sustainability. The ports and industrial clusters want to cooperate even more closely on infrastructure for the raw materials and energy of the future.
Joint response
The four industrial complexes want to work more from a shared vision. ‘Space in ports is already scarce, and more sustainable, for example circular, production requires much more space and sometimes temporarily additional environmental impact. We therefore want to examine together which activities we really need in Europe. Where is that space available; physically and in regulation? What will our ports and industry look like in 2050 when they have become climate-neutral? A joint answer to these questions will only succeed if our governments also look at industry with an international perspective,” the port directors said.
Outside Europe
The CEOs call for European government leaders to help industry in this regard, pointing to the higher costs and more complex laws and regulations than in other parts of the world for energy-intensive companies. They urge European politicians to take a cue from the measures offered to industry by the U.S. through the Inflation Reduction Act. ‘If governments do nothing in return, investments in sustainability in Europe will stay out and industry will move outside Europe. Existing factories here will then be kept in operation as long as possible while they age and eventually shut down. That means more imports from outside Europe with negative consequences for the climate, our strategic autonomy and prosperity.
Crucial
The port leaders understand the doubts about whether we should still want industry in our region. But they hope that “industry will have the opportunity to make it through in Europe; it is crucial for our ports, alongside logistics and the energy sector. This involves about 63 billion euros in added value and over half a million jobs.’ The CEOs therefore stress once again the importance of the recently signed “Antwerp Declaration.
