European states push Critical Chemicals Act

Eight European countries have released a series of measures they want the European Union (EU) to adopt to protect the region’s ailing chemical industry. Called the EU Critical Chemicals Act and outlined in a joint statement by the countries, the proposed legislation is a response to the European chemical industry’s lack of global competitiveness, a situation that has led to a series of plant closures across the region. The EU Critical Chemicals Act would protect “building block” molecules considered important to the European chemical industry, the countries state. The act would replace current state aid rules so that countries can support the modernization of strategic facilities and protect manufacturers from high energy prices and low-cost products from competitors outside the region. Additionally, the act would foster R&D. The countries have identified 18 chemicals that are critical to the region and need protection: ammonia, benzene, butadiene, chlorine, ethylene, hydrofluoric acid, lysine,