PODCAST: Only strong political action can save EU chemicals

BARCELONA (ICIS)–Europe’s petrochemical sector is in the middle of a crisis  which EU leaders can only solve through bold action, according to Ilham Kadri, president of Cefic and CEO of Syensqo.

• More than 11 million tonnes of European chemicals capacity slated to close
• Decline can be reversed with strong EU political action
• Simplify bureaucracy, lower energy costs, finance low carbon transition
• EU needs to stimulate demand for low carbon products, create level playing field against global competition
• Time to turn words into action through EU Clean Industrial Deal, new chemicals strategy
• Chemicals CEOs in Europe need to examine their portfolios to identify where they can win against global competitors
• Europe has a lot to offer – cutting edge technology, talent
• Region needs a strong economy and that is only possible with a strong chemical industry

In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Ilham Kadri, CEO of Syensqo and president of Cefic and the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA).

This interview was recorded on 31 January, 2025.

Editor’s note: This podcast is an opinion piece. The views expressed are those of the presenter and interviewees, and do not necessarily represent those of ICIS.

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