The EP’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and the Committee on International Trade (INTA) organised a public hearing with experts on the “Impact of TTIP on ITRE policy areas” on the 24th of February. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of CEEP, Paweł Olechnowicz, presented CEEP’s position on the matter. Here below, his intervention. Understanding TTIP: We understand that the TTIP represents a major boost for the EU in the competitive world. Nowadays, we are conceding ground to such external competitors as China and India, as well as other emerging economies. We also observe the rapid development of the United States’ economy, not only due to the shale revolution, but also due to an innovative and dynamic approach to economic solutions. Should we join our efforts, talents, and knowledge to push our economies ahead and make them more resilient to other economies? CEEP’s answer is clear: we support the concept of the TTIP as enabling more investments and securing more new employment opportunities. Differences between economic sectors in the EU: Creation of a free trade zone with the US is very tempting, and the TTIP is supported by many sectors, as, for example, the EU’s automotive industry, whilst there is a lot of debate within the food industry, and a somewhat divided approach from the chemical industry. I am very optimistic that the parties will reach positive solutions, but we in the EU, should realise that problems connected with the TTIP need to be categorised into two parts. One concerns EU/US relations; the other relates to internal matters for the EU itself. What are our needs? [...]
The European Round Table on Coal and Steel (ERTCS) will take place on the 28th of January under the patronage of Prof. Jerzy Buzek, Chairman of the ITRE Committee, and Dr. Christian Ehler, ITRE Committee Vice-Coordinator. The idea of combining the two sectors, previously being a round table focusing on coal only, will give us a unique chance to work out a stronger and more coherent position vis-à-vis the changing energy and climate policy. The constituency meeting will be held on the 28th of January in the European Parliament at 12 a.m., having as special guest the Director-General of DG Energy, Mr. Dominique Ristori, who will deliver a keynote speech. CEEP and EURACOAL are the NGO partners to this [...]
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We represent the widely understood Central Europe energy sector (electricity generation, distribution and transmission, renewables, gas, oil, heat generation and distribution, chemical industries, etc.), universities and scientific institutions.
