The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) adopted an opinion on the European Chemicals Industry Action Plan, led by rapporteur Frederiek Vermeulen (BE/EPP), member of Ichtegem Municipal Council. He called for closer cooperation between the European Commission and local and regional authorities to ensure a place-based approach that strengthens competitiveness, strategic autonomy and sustainable industrial transformation across Europe’s chemical regions.
Presenting his opinion, Rapporteur Frederiek Vermeulen (BE/EPP) said: “Europe’s chemical industry is not just another sector — it is a strategic backbone of our economy and security. If we fail to restore competitiveness, secure affordable energy and defend fair global trade, we risk losing entire value chains. Today, regions are stepping up and working alongside industry to turn innovation into jobs and growth. We know what must change. The time for hesitation is over — Europe must now deliver.”
The CoR welcomes the Commission’s initiative, noting that the chemicals sector is fundamental to many European industries, including defence, automotive, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. However, members warn that Europe’s competitiveness is under increasing pressure from countries that combine strategic investment, lower energy costs and assertive trade policies, weakening Europe’s global position in the sector.
Local and regional leaders stress that the Action Plan will only succeed if it is implemented swiftly and in close partnership with local and regional authorities. A strong place-based approach is essential, reflecting the diverse industrial strengths and vulnerabilities of Europe’s chemical regions. The CoR therefore calls for meaningful cross-regional participation, based on a bottom-up approach, in the newly established Critical Chemicals Alliance.
Access to affordable and secure energy is a central demand of the opinion. The CoR urges the Commission to accelerate completion of the Energy Union, invest in electricity and hydrogen infrastructure, and ensure that climate instruments such as the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) are aligned with Europe’s industrial competitiveness objectives.
The CoR also calls for fair global trade conditions, stronger trade defence instruments, investment in sustainable production processes and strong protection of workers’ rights. To keep innovative companies in Europe, the CoR recommends developing lead markets for European chemical products, improving access to finance, supporting public-private investment, and bridging the gap between research and industrial deployment, including by aligning education and training with industry needs.
Finally, the opinion calls for simplified reporting requirements, faster permitting procedures and better coordination across policy areas such as environmental compliance, the circular economy, waste reuse and innovation incentives across all levels of government. These measures are essential to reduce regulatory fragmentation and accelerate much-needed investment.
Background
• In July, the European Commission presented the European Chemicals Industry Action Plan to support the chemical sector and their investments on modernisation. A key element of the Action Plan is the creation of the Critical Chemicals Alliance bringing together the Commission and stakeholders to tackle the main challenges affecting the sector.
• New CoR study on “A place-based approach to strengthening the EU chemicals industry in regions and cities” (March 2026).