Industrial Renaissance (Special reports)

Special reports published by EurActiv in February 2014.

+ Europe tries to reverse drift towards de-industrialisation
After a lost decade, Europe is trying to reverse a decline in manufacturing which has brought industrial output to a standstill. The issue will reach the EU's top decision-making body in March when European leaders meet for their quarterly summit in Brussels.

+ EU eyes softer climate policies to fuel ‘industrial renaissance’
As Europe starts to emerge from its worst recession since the Second World War, policymakers are reconsidering the EU’s global leadership on climate change for fear that it might hinder the fledgling recovery.

+ EU’s re-industrialisation dream ‘hostage’ of high energy prices
Business representatives were unimpressed by the meeting of EU industry ministers in February 2014, who backed a “European industrial renaissance” without tackling the issue of high energy prices. Hopes are fading that the European Commission can match “nice words” with action.

+ EU warned ‘do not play with fire’ over energy rebates for German industry
During a recent visit to Brussels, German energy minister Sigmar Gabriel praised EU efforts for re-industrialisation. But he also fiercely defended industrial exemptions from his country's renewable energy surcharge, warning the European Commission not to "play with fire" ahead of the EU elections.

+ Europe abandons hopes of US-style shale gas revolution
hale gas has had a “minimal impact” on the US’s manufacturing industry, and will have even less significance for Europe, according to a new report by the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI). In Europe, industrialists are abandoning hopes of a similar revolution, at least in the short- to medium-term.

+ Manufacturers resume fight for EU carbon market shake-up
On the 27 February 2014, European manufacturers' lobby IFIEC Europe launched an attack on the EU's Emissions Trading System (ETS), opposing current reform plans and calling for drastic changes to prevent a flight of investment abroad.

• Primary Source

EurActiv, 24.02.14: Europe tries to reverse drift towards de-industrialisation http://www.euractiv.com/specialreport-industrial-renaiss/eu-tries-revert-de-industrialisa-news-533704

ESO: Background information: Competitiveness (Internal Market, Industry, Research and Space) Council, Brussels, 20-21 February 2014 http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-competitiveness-internal-market-industry-research-and-space-council-brussels-20-21-february-2014/

EurActiv, 25.02.14: EU eyes softer climate policies to fuel ‘industrial renaissance’ http://www.euractiv.com/specialreport-industrial-renaiss/eu-eyes-softer-climate-policies-news-533721

ESO: Background information: Without a strong industrial base, Europe's economy cannot prosper http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-without-a-strong-industrial-base-europes-economy-cannot-prosper/

ESO: Background information: 2013 industrial structure report highlights need for industrial renaissance http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-2013-industrial-structure-report-highlights-need-for-industrial-renaissance/

EurActiv, 26.02.14: EU’s re-industrialisation dream ‘hostage’ of high energy prices http://www.euractiv.com/specialreport-industrial-renaiss/eu-industrialisation-plan-hostag-news-533723

EurActiv, 27.02.14: EU warned ‘do not play with fire’ over energy rebates for German industry http://www.euractiv.com/energy/german-energy-minister-resumes-f-news-533754

ESO: Background information: Germany to cut energy rebates for industry, renewable subsidies http://www.europeansources.info/record/germany-to-cut-energy-rebates-for-industry-renewable-subsidies/

EurActiv, 28.02.14: Europe abandons hopes of US-style shale gas revolution http://www.euractiv.com/specialreport-industrial-renaiss/Europe-abandons-shale-gas-revolution-news-533546

ESO: Background information: Environment: European Commission recommends minimum principles for shale gas http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-environment-european-commission-recommends-minimum-principles-for-shale-gas/

EurActiv, 28.02.14: Manufacturers resume fight for EU carbon market shake-up http://www.euractiv.com/specialreport-industrial-renaiss/manufacturers-resume-fight-eu-ca-news-533834

ESO: Background information: Europe opts for ‘auto-backload’ of carbon markets http://www.europeansources.info/record/europe-opts-for-auto-backload-of-carbon-markets/

EUObserver, 28.02.14: Industry bosses demand EU action on soaring energy prices http://euobserver.com/news/123305

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