Successful “Ceramic Days 2013“

The Ceramic Days 2013, organized by European ceramic industry association Cerame-Unie, took place in Brussels from 25 to 27 November and welcomed 150 participants from EU institutions, industry and relevant stakeholders. The Ceramic Days centered around 26 November, a day featuring two public conferences, the 14th Plenary Meeting of the European Parliament Ceramics Forum (EPCF) and keynote speeches by Commissioner for Energy Günther Oettinger and Director General of BusinessEurope Markus Beyrer.

The conference “International trade principles: how to ensure better enforcement?” dealt with vital concerns regarding the European Union’s enforcement of international trade rules to tackle unfair trade practices affecting market access for EU businesses. Commission official Signe Ratso affirmed that the European ceramics industry is a “global player” and “export champion”. Despite this fact, the industry faces an increasing trend in barriers to trade, including high tariffs, burdensome certification and counterfeiting, as evidenced by the testimony of Steelite International CEO, Kevin Oakes. Lawyer and Professor Mr Bourgeois stressed that companies could make more use of the Trade Barriers Regulation (TBR) and urged the Commission to be “a little bit more daring and a little less cautious in handling the TBR.”

The second conference “Environmental performance tools: how do ceramic Product Category Rules (PCR) contribute to a better environment?” revealed the importance of standardization, harmonized PCR and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) as useful tools for the European construction industry. The speakers discussed the benefits of a cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach which helps architects determine the environmental impact of a product. “There is still a lot to do”, according to moderator Gerhard Koch. “The harmonization of existing environmental performance tools would significantly reduce the burden placed on manufacturers of construction products.”

The 14th Plenary Meeting of the EPCF covered topics currently being discussed in the Parliament, namely the future EU climate and energy policy, the Product Safety and Market Surveillance Package and the competitiveness of SMEs. MEPs, Commission officials and industry representatives discussed these significant questions and what they mean for the ceramic industry.

While considering the forthcoming 2030 EU climate and energy framework Dr. Heimo Scheuch, Cerame-Unie Vice-President, stressed that it is essential to reconcile sustainability and competitiveness and take into account the international context in which the industry operates.

The second panel presented an opportunity for participants to discuss the Product Safety and Market Surveillance Package and the way forward on critical aspects such as origin marking.

The third panel, which took place in the context of the SME week, the situation for SMEs in Europe was examined. It was revealed that despite existing initiatives, SMEs in the ceramic industry continue to be weighed down by difficult access to finance, complex legislation and administrative burdens.

The EPCF, chaired by MEPs Harbour and Cashman, was concluded with a discussion on the future of the Forum after the 2014 Parliamentary elections.

The day’s events culminated in memorable keynotes by eminent speakers at the EPCF cocktail reception hosted by Cerame-Unie. Commissioner Oettinger discussed the 2020 targets and the need to create realistic and pragmatic new targets for 2030, taking into consideration the reality faced by energy-intensive industries in Europe. He affirmed that the responsibility to address climate change should not only be borne by Europe, as it only represents 10% of global CO2 emissions. Finally, he stated that if Europe wants to solve its budget and labour market problems, it needs more – not less – manufacturing industry. Mr. Beyrer offered an insight into the high energy prices in the EU and the challenges this presents to businesses. He asserted the need to find the right balance between energy and climate policy, thereby favoring industrial competitiveness and climate goals on an equal footing. Both speakers agreed on the need to diversify energy supply sources in the EU, which means leaving the shale gas option open. Cerame-Unie President Alain Delcourt wrapped up the evening and stressed the vital importance of the EU’s forthcoming decisions on climate and energy for the ceramic industry.

As the main policy event for Europe’s ceramics manufacturers, the Ceramic Days present a key occasion for representatives from all ceramic sectors, experts and policymakers to exchange ideas at sector and public events. The next Ceramic Days will take place on 3 and 4 December 2014.

x

Related articles:

Issue 1-2/2013 With 50 years’ experience paving the way forward

Cerame-Unie presents “Ceramic Roadmap” in Brussels

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Cerame-Unie hosted the very first Ceramic Days from 26?to?28 November 2012. Numerous members from the European ceramics industry flocked to Brussels for the annual...

more
Issue 1/2020

Successful European Ceramic Days 2019

On 20 and 21 November, Cerame-Unie hosted the European Ceramic Days 2019 at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. The two-day event began with the 20th Annual Meeting of the European...

more
Issue 01/2015 Ceramic Days 2014

A strong manufacturing sector is the key to growth and jobs in the EU

The 2014 Ceramic Days, organized by Cerame-Unie in Brussels, were attended by more than 150 participants. The sector meeting was the setting for the General Assembly of Cerame-Unie and public events...

more

02.05.2011 News: European Parliament Ceramics Forum (EPCF) - ceramic solutions for resource efficiency

The next European Parliament Ceramics Forum (EPCF) debating the ceramic solutions for resource efficiency will be held on Thursday 26 May 2011, from 13:00 to 15:00. We refer to the attached...

more
Issue 7-8/2012

Horizon 2020 – € 80 bill. for European research and innovation

Europe must take determined action to stabilize its financial and economic systems in the short term and at the same time take measures to secure economic opportunities for the future. Intelligent...

more