European Industry Asks for Coordinated Policies on Indigenous Gas Production

European industry is asking for a coordinated policy to overcome the weaknesses of European competitiveness, reads a note released on Friday by BUSINESSEUROPE, organisation representing more than 20 million companies from 35 European countries. The industry made clear that EU has to rebalance climate and energy policy, adding competitiveness and security of supply. 

“The crisis will only be over when growth returns. To match Chinese industrial might and the revival of US manufacturing thanks to the shale gas revolution we need a real European industry policy. A policy which addresses the weaknesses of European competitiveness,” said BUSINESSEUROPE President Emma Marcegaglia at a meeting with the Lithuanian Presidency.

Marcegaglia and Director General Markus Beyrer discussed European companies’ expectations from the Lithuanian EU Presidency with Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaité, Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius and Minister of Economy Evaldas Gustas. 

Marcegaglia restated that shale gas is an opportunity for Europe and Lithuania to reduce import dependence and increase energy security. BUSINESSEUROPE publicly endorsed shale gas in May as part of a wider plan to decrease the competitiveness gap between Europe and growing countries in North America and Asia.