Germany and France Urge Easing of Regulatory Burdens on Chemical Industry
In a coordinated effort, Germany and France are advocating for the relaxation of financial constraints impacting Europe’s beleaguered chemicals sector. This push comes as both nations seek to alleviate burdens placed on companies by new regulations, reports 24brussels.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron are specifically targeting the recently revised urban wastewater rules. These regulations mandate that cosmetics and pharmaceuticals companies shoulder the majority of the costs associated with mitigating micropollutants in urban wastewater, beginning in 2028.
The European Commission is responding to industry concerns by committing to an updated analysis on the implications of an extended producer responsibility scheme, which has faced considerable resistance from the sector. The joint statement from Germany and France emphasizes the necessity for Brussels to reduce regulatory hurdles in order to stimulate growth within the chemical industry.
“To unleash our companies’ full potential of growth and productivity, it is … urgent to substantially ease the complexity and simplify the European Union’s regulatory environment,” the leaders stated in their document.
Materials Recycling Focus
The two leaders reiterated their calls for improved regulations to facilitate the recycling and reuse of critical raw materials (CRM). This is particularly relevant as EU countries increasingly aim to lessen their reliance on Chinese minerals, which are pivotal for both defense initiatives and energy transitions.
