The industry’s pressing Competitiveness challenge dominates the discussion at Glass for Europe’s Board meeting

The industry’s pressing Competitiveness challenge dominates the discussion at Glass for Europe’s Board meeting
Photo source
Glass for Europe

Date: 17 October 2024

On October 16, Glass for Europe held its Autumn Board of Directors meeting.

Although unintentional, the business centre’s name underscored the key issue dominating the discussion: the severe competitiveness challenges currently facing the flat glass industry and the concerns about Europe’s ability to sustain its industrial edge.

With a new legislative term and a fresh European Commission mandate on the horizon, Board members emphasized the critical role Glass for Europe must play in the upcoming months. They stressed the need for European decision-makers to recognize the gravity of the competitiveness crisis and to prioritize policies and regulatory updates that will enable Europe’s flat glass industry to continue producing the essential glazing products required for the EU move towards its climate-neutrality goal.

Several core issues were discussed, many of which are highlighted in Mario Draghi’s recent report on the future of European competitiveness. These include the harsh impact of high energy costs, loopholes in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), burdensome administrative requirements, and a global shortfall in investments. Additionally, the lack of support for industries where viable decarbonization options are still under development is a significant concern. Glass for Europe is committed to support EU authorities in the development of solutions to address these challenges and enable the ‘sustainable transformation’ of Europe.

The Board meeting also provided an opportunity for Glass for Europe to collaborate with partners and member companies across the entire flat glass value chain. Together, manufacturers, processors, transformers, and insulated glass unit (IGU) manufacturers discussed shared challenges and strategies for tackling the issues impacting the entire industry.

Thank you to all participants for the dynamic discussions that will shape an ambitious and decisive agenda for Glass for Europe in the months ahead.

Thank you to all participants for the lively discussions that pave the way for an intense and decisive Glass for Europe agenda for the coming months.

600450 The industry’s pressing Competitiveness challenge dominates the discussion at Glass for Europe’s Board meeting glassonweb.com

Others also read

Self confessed carpentry, joinery and building fanatic, Robin Clevett joined the lineup for FIT Show 2025, taking on the role of official ambassador for the event, which returns to the NEC Birmingham later this year (29 April - 1 May.)
Registration for FIT Show 2025, taking place between 29 April – 1 May, is now live!
The National Glass Association (NGA) has announced that Joey Aragon, director of operations for Aragon Construction, Inc. in Montclair, California, has joined the NGA Board of Directors.
Şişecam will present its energy-efficient, value-added products and share insights with industry professionals.
The windays event organized by Bern University of Applied Sciences is the most important specialist conference for the window and façade industry in Switzerland.
NGA's Latest Release Offers Voluntary Guidance for Specification

Add new comment