OVERVIEW
The chemical industry in Europe is currently faced with a deep process of restructuring and adaptation towards new framework conditions which are linked for example to globalization and the enlargement of the European Union. These framework conditions are more and more determined by EU directives and regulations in the field of environment, safety and competition policy. Central, regional, and local authorities are faced with the challenge of developing suitable and future-oriented subsidy strategies for employing ERDF funding.
The European Chemical Regions Network (ECRN) has the intention to create a greater awareness for the regional dimension with those involved in the shaping of policies in Europe. The network gives access to experiences made in regional development of chemical regions between all relevant actors and creates synergies between "best practices" in dealing with the ongoing restructuring of chemical regions and the improvement of mainstream Structural Funds Programmes. The ECRN currently consists of 18 chemical regions from all over Europe in which the chemical industry plays a leading determining role for economic performance, growth and employment:
OBJECTIVES
Being a recognized "European Stakeholder" and as a member of the current High Level Group on the Competitiveness of the Chemical Industry in Europe which has been set up by the European Commission, the central objective of the ECRN is to continue to commit itself to regional concerns of the chemical industry and chemical policy in Europe. ECRN work is focusing on:
This involves among other things: