How to Address the Competitiveness of Energy Intensive Industries in the EU?

European Parliament Hosts Key Event on Energy-Intensive Industries’ Competitiveness
26 March 2025
Brussels

The European Parliament hosted a pivotal event titled “How to Address the Competitiveness of Energy-Intensive Industries in the EU,” co-organised by the Alliance of Energy Intensive Industries (AEII), of which the European Lime Association (EuLA) is a member. The event, hosted by MEP Giorgio Gori, gathered industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the challenges and future strategies for Europe’s energy-intensive industries (EIIs).

MEP Giorgio Gori, a member of the Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy (ITRE), opened the discussions by emphasizing the indispensable role EIIs play in Europe’s economy. He stressed the urgent need for policies that address high energy costs, decarbonization hurdles, and global competition.

The event was structured into two key panels:

• Panel 1: “Industry Perspectives: Analysing Competitiveness Challenges for EU Energy Intensive Industries Building on Their Positive Externalities for the EU Economy.” This session explored the fundamental contributions of EIIs to European economic resilience, employment, and strategic autonomy while also addressing the pressing obstacles they face.

Panel 2: “Exploring Industry Insights: Policy Recommendations and Pathways Forward for Energy-Intensive Industries.” Industry representatives provided insights into viable policy solutions, focusing on reducing energy costs, ensuring access to raw materials, and securing industrial investments.

Tim Van den Bossche, President of EuLA and CEO of Carmeuse Europe, represented the lime industry’s interests. In his address, he outlined three critical priorities for ensuring the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability:

• De-risking industrial investments in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Advocating for regulatory and financial mechanisms to facilitate investments in CCS technologies.
• Developing CO₂ transport infrastructure: Highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive infrastructure to enable the safe and efficient transport of captured CO₂.
• Recognising lime’s unique carbon removal potential through enhanced carbonation: Calling for greater policy recognition of lime’s ability to permanently remove CO₂ from the atmosphere through natural carbonation processes.

The discussions also reinforced the importance of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and fair distribution of decarbonisation costs along the value chain to maintain a competitive market for low-carbon products.

As a co-organiser of this important event, EuLA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Europe’s industrial competitiveness while advancing the energy transition. The Association, representing nearly 95% of European lime production, continues to advocate for policies that recognize and support the essential role of lime and other energy-intensive industries in Europe’s sustainable future.

The event concluded with a strong consensus on the need for urgent action to safeguard the EU’s energy-intensive industries while ensuring their contribution to the continent’s green and economic ambitions.

EuLA extends its sincere gratitude to all members of the Alliance of Energy Intensive Industries, the MEPs, speakers, and participants for their valuable contributions to this important discussion.

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