EMF demands planning security for the energy-intensive industries

06/03/2008

The European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) supports the demand made by the EU Industry Commissioner Günter Verheugen to come to a quick decision regarding which energy-intensive industries are to be exempted from the auctioneering of CO2 certificates planned for 2013 onwards. The Vice-President of the European Commission called on the heads of state taking part in the up-coming EU summit to bring forward the deadline for a decision. The EMF demands free allocation of emission rights for those energy-intensive industries whose process-related production would barely allow any further emission reduction.

“Secure planning is especially important for the steel and non-ferrous industries” stated the EMF General Secretary, Peter Scherrer. “Future employment figures in these industries are directly dependent on the decisions to invest being made now. If uncertainty reigns until 2011, this could potentially lead to the relocation of production abroad with accompanying negative consequences for employment and the climate” he added. Usually, production facilities outside of Europe do not match the current European technology levels and produce significantly higher emissions compared to European production sites.

EU President José Manuel Barroso and the Commissioner of the Environment Stavros Dimas favour postponing exemption regulations, preferring to wait for the outcome of the negotiations of a Kyoto follow-up agreement. “The EMF clearly favours an international solution with the involvement of upcoming economies” commented Peter Scherrer. “Not making plans now in case a global agreement fails would be shortsighted and would jeopardize the goal laid down in the Lisbon strategy to promote Europe as a sustainable industrial base.”

“Steel and aluminium remain strategic industries for Europe and are a driver of technical innovation” commented the EMF General Secretary. Keeping these industries in Europe could significantly contribute to a clear global reduction in CO2 emissions as a result of research and development. This would serve the environment and workers and represents a sound industrial policy for the future.

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PRESS 10/2008

The EMF is the representative body defending the interests of workers in the European metal industry. The EMF has a mandate for the external representation and coordination of the metalworkers' unions and a mandate to engage in bargaining at European level.

For further information please contact:
Editor, Peter Scherrer, EMF General Secretary