“Industry remains vitally important for a successful European economy to create jobs, to boost productivity, to fuel innovation and to raise social standards. Industrial policy must try to anticipate and manage change in a socially responsible way, with adequate financial and regulatory tools”, state the federations.

The three industrial federations (EMF, EMCEF and ETUF:TCL) have outlined 6 principles for a strong and credible European industrial policy capable of tackling the challenges of the aftermath of the economic crisis, climate change and intensifying globalisation pressures:

1. A strong social dimension to industrial policies

2. Growth-oriented macroeconomic and wage policies

3. A concrete industrial investment agenda

4. A fair transformation towards an energy- and resource-efficient industrial model

5. An effective European energy policy

6. A fair level-playing field internationally

In light of the COP 16 negotiations in Cancun, the three federations have called for measures to ensure a level playing field (including border adjustment mechanisms). In the absence of such conditions, the European Union should review its proposal to unilaterally increase its own emissions reductions target from -20% to -30%.

Peter Scherrer (EMF General Secretary)

Patrick Itschert (ETUF:TCL General Secretary)

Reinhard Reibsch (EMCEF General Secretary)

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PRESS 32 /2010

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.