Publishes Video on Challenges to Circular Economy : Eurometaux: COP 21 Must Have Globally Binding Agreements

Eurometaux, the Brussels based trade association servicing and representing the European non-ferrous metals industry, has called for strong globally binding agreements to result from the COP 21 climate change conference.

The organisation also stressed that in addition to the need to limit climate change to below 2ºC, shared international commitments would ease the regulatory burden on key European industries, and facilitate the EU’s own transition towards a low-carbon economy.

“Climate change is a critical global challenge, which must be addressed at a global level. In that respect, Europe’s non-ferrous metals industry applauds the enormous efforts already taken to reach a globally binding agreement, and encourages EU negotiators to maintain pressure for international commitments,” commented Guy Thiran, Eurometaux’s director general.

According to Eurometaux COP 21 is also an opportunity to re-balance Europe’s climate leadership and economic growth, and noted that non-ferrous metals are key enablers of a low-carbon and resource-efficient EU economy, but the competitiveness of European producers has been threatened by global imbalances in climate regulations.

“COP 21 must ensure that other world regions are taking equal responsibility for climate action, allowing the EU to maintain its low-carbon ambition,” added Thiran. “Because metals are globally-priced commodities, European companies cannot pass extra regulatory costs onto consumers and remain competitive. A binding international agreement is integral to re-establishing level-playing field conditions”.

Eurometaux concluded that when defining the elements of this new agreement, EU negotiators must simply ensure that both climate ambition and industrial competitiveness are duly considered.

The organisation has also recently published a video outlining its view take on the main challenges to be overcome on the transition to a Circular Economy, from the perspective of Europe's recycling industries. It can be viewed below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp3JXjipqEk]

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