One year after the launch of the Antwerp Declaration, 400 business leaders came together once again in Antwerp to discuss the just published Clean Industrial Deal with Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. Ahead of the European Council meeting in March, industry is now calling on EU Heads of State to take urgent action across all EU Member States without any delay.

“In such unpredictable and challenging times, we are in urgent need for bold action from European Leadership. We appreciate the Commission President taking the time to join us today in Antwerp to present the Clean Industrial Deal and listen to our concerns. As the animal health sector, we look forward to constructively contributing to simplification processes, to safeguard the long-term competitiveness of EU industry as a whole,” said Rob Kelly, AnimalhealthEurope president.

Europe’s industries are facing historical challenges: declining demand, stalled investments, reduced capacity, and EU gas prices at 4-5 times higher than its competitors. Between 2023 and 2024, Europe’s manufacturing output – a sector employing over 31 million people – dropped another 2.6%.
To overcome these challenges, back in February 2024, 73 business leaders presented the Antwerp Declaration to Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen and former Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. The Antwerp Declaration lays out 10 concrete actions to restore the business case for investments, to implement Europe’s sustainability ambitions and safeguard quality jobs in Europe. It is now signed by over 1300 signatories.

“The Clean Industrial Deal, like any strategy, is only as good as its implementation. Cooperation and alignment with Member States is essential for future success. Now is the time for concrete change, and we look forward to this new chapter of European industrial history defined by growth, resilience and leadership on the world stage,” concluded Adam Estrup, AnimalhealthEurope vice-president.

AnimalhealthEurope calls for both new and existing EU initiatives and legislation to be evaluated against the following criteria: Do they ease the administrative burden on companies? Do they attract investment in innovation in Europe? Do they encourage sustainable manufacturing while safeguarding continued production in Europe? If the answer to any of these questions is no, EU policymakers should revise legislative proposals accordingly.

The Antwerp Declaration remains an urgent call to revitalise Europe’s industrial landscape. Europe’s industries stand ready to do their part and continue supporting policymakers in building a competitive, resilient and sustainable future in Europe amid shifting geopolitics.