European Commission Publishes its Work Programme 2021

On 19 October, the European Commission adopted its 2021 Work Programme. While managing the COVID-19 crisis will remain a top priority next year, the Commission’s Work Programme also puts a strong focus on the “twin challenge of a green and digital transformation”.

A European Green Deal remains the Commission’s priority number one. To achieve a climate-neutral Europe by 2050, the Commission will prepare a “Fit for 55” legislative package to reduce emissions by at least 55% by 2030. This will cover wide-ranging policy areas – from renewables to energy efficiency, energy performance of buildings, some of which might translate into additional investments into areas where abrasive products are widely used.

FEPA welcomes the fact that the European Commission will also update the new industrial strategy to take into account the impact of COVID-19.

Other important regulatory initiatives will be the revision of Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions, the revision of the Construction Products Regulation (EU No 305/2011), Revision of the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC), evaluation of the “New Legislative Framework for Products” outlining a common framework for the marketing of products.

Many of the Commissions initiatives will be aimed at increasing the international competitiveness of the European manufacturers. The Commission stresses that global trade and its integrated value chains will be a key driving force for recovery from the crisis. This is why the Commission is carrying out a review of the EU’s trade policy, and it will adopt a new instrument to deter and counteract coercive actions by third countries.

FEPA looks forward to continue to work with the European Commission to convey the position of the European abrasives manufacturers on the key legislative proposals which may have an impact on FEPA Members.