ASD signs Antwerp Declaration for a European industrial deal

ASD has proudly joined over 1,100 organisations in signing the Antwerp Declaration, marking a significant step towards a robust European Industrial Deal. This commitment aligns with ASD’s vision to bolster competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience in the aerospace, security, and defence sectors across Europe.

The Antwerp Declaration, presented to key European leaders including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, outlines ten concrete actions to integrate the EU Industrial Deal into the broader European Strategic Agenda. These actions aim to streamline legislation, simplify state aid frameworks, and foster an environment conducive to innovation and industrial growth.

Key elements of the declaration include the need to reduce regulatory burdens and eliminate unnecessary complexity in legislation, making Europe a globally competitive provider of energy, and scaling up domestic mining and recycling capacities for critical raw materials. It also calls for a strong public funding chapter to support energy-intensive industries and a comprehensive action plan to elevate competitiveness as a strategic priority.

The declaration emphasises the urgent need for a business-friendly environment to stimulate investment and innovation. It stresses the importance of maintaining Europe’s industrial base to ensure the continent remains at the forefront of technological advancements and climate solutions.

By signing the Declaration, ASD underscores the importance of a united approach in achieving a resilient and sustainable industrial future for Europe. This collective effort is crucial for maintaining Europe’s industrial leadership and supporting the transition to climate neutrality by 2050.