The Gesamtverband Kunststoffverarbeitende Industrie e.V. (GKV) is calling for a European agenda for growth and competitiveness.

On the occasion of the European elections on 9 June 2024, the association of plastics processing companies in Germany has published a position paper calling on those responsible in Brussels and Strasbourg to promote the European single market and relieve companies of bureaucracy. They should also advocate technological openness and non-discrimination with regard to different materials as well as risk-based chemicals regulation. According to the GKV, the European Commission's ‘Green Deal’ policy has so far failed to fulfil fundamental promises for a new economic upturn in Europe and the creation of large numbers of additional jobs. A course correction was therefore necessary and the ‘Green Deal’ needs to be supplemented by an economic growth agenda. Europe's industry in particular had lost considerable competitiveness internationally over the past four years, as can be seen from the relocation of energy-intensive production and industrial research and development to other parts of the world. GKV President Dr Helen Fürst says: ‘We welcome the transformation of Europe's economy with the aim of advancing climate protection, sustainability and circularity.’ However, the European Parliament and the Commission should now focus their work on correcting the course of the Green Deal and setting an agenda for economic growth as soon as possible.
 
Further information: download the GKV position paper on the 2024 European elections (in German)
 
Sources:

• GKV press release (11.4.2024)
• Photo: © GKV