BELGICA - The European Panel Federation (EPF) has endorsed the Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal, joining 72 leading companies and 34 industry associations representing over 7.8 million jobs. They advocate for placing the Industrial Deal at the core of the new European Strategic Agenda for 2024-2029.

Fulfilling the Antwerp Declaration would position industry as a key driver towards a resilient, competitive, and sustainable Europe. A key focus of this Declaration is to reindustrialize Europe and establish it as a global leader in sustainable and innovative industry. This underscores the crucial role of industry in driving economic growth and job creation, aligning with EPF’s commitments as a Role Model Industry. With an annual turnover of approximately EUR 25 billion and the creation of over 100,000 jobs directly in Europe, the wood panel industry plays a significant role in the EU’s bio and circular economies.

The Antwerp Declaration outlines 10 actionable measures, including streamlining legislation and initiatives to position Europe as a global leader in promoting net-zero, low-carbon, and circular products. It also emphasizes fostering raw material self-sufficiency and enhancing the innovation framework.

Signatories come from diverse industries including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paper, steel, mining, aluminum, glass, zinc, metals, textiles, ceramics, biotech, and now wood. The Declaration was presented to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp on February 20.

EPF Chairman Martin Brettenthaler emphasizes, “By embracing the Antwerp Declaration, we advocate for prioritizing the European Industrial Deal, aligning with EPF’s objectives. Through prioritizing reindustrialization, especially with sustainable products like wood-based panels, we can contribute significantly to achieving the European Green Deal.”