Latest news with #StéphaneSéjourné
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canada and European Union launch new industrial policy dialogue Français
OTTAWA, ON, /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is focused on strengthening and diversifying international partnerships, working with the European Union (EU) to protect and create jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, and Stéphane Séjourné, the European Commission's Executive Vice-President (EVP) for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, met on July 11 to advance collaboration under the New Canada–EU Strategic Partnership of the Future. This partnership was announced at the Canada–European Union Leaders' Summit in Brussels on June 23 by the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada; António Costa, President of the European Council; and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Minister Joly and EVP Séjourné agreed to develop a joint work plan in the coming weeks that will determine specific areas of cooperation. They also committed to convening again within the next month to further advance their shared priorities. Recognizing economic diplomacy as a vital tool for fostering stability, innovation and prosperity, both leaders emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation to address global challenges. Quotes "At this pivotal moment, Canada is committed to deepening its partnership with the European Union as we diversify supply chains and enhance trade ties. Together, we are strengthening a trans-Atlantic alliance that will enhance our economic competitiveness and protect critical industries and technologies." – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions "Today's visit marks the first concrete step toward the deeper cooperation envisioned at the EU–Canada Summit. At a time when the international geoeconomic landscape has rarely been so unstable, strong partnerships and shared perspectives on global trade and industrial trends are more valuable than ever. From expanding our trade ties and strengthening technological and innovation cooperation to increasing the supply of Canadian raw materials, we share an unprecedented range of common interests." – Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, European Commission Quick facts Prime Minister Mark Carney launched the New Canada–EU Strategic Partnership of the Future in Brussels with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on June 23, 2025. Canada and the EU also signed the Security and Defence Partnership, which provides a framework for dialogue and cooperation in security and defence priorities. SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Cision Canada
11-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
/R E P E A T -- Media advisory - Canada and European Commission to discuss launching industrial dialogue/ Français
OTTAWA, ON, July 10, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, will hold a joint media availability with Stéphane Séjourné, the visiting European Commission Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy. Date: Friday, July 11, 2025 Time: 1:15 pm (ET) Location: Ottawa, Ontario Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at [email protected] to receive event location details and confirm their attendance. Stay connected Find more services and information on the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada website. Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media. SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Cision Canada
10-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Media advisory - Canada and European Commission to discuss launching industrial dialogue
OTTAWA, ON, July 10, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, will hold a joint media availability with Stéphane Séjourné, the visiting European Commission Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy. Date: Friday, July 11, 2025 Time: 1:15 pm (ET) Location: Ottawa, Ontario Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at [email protected] to receive event location details and confirm their attendance. Stay connected Find more services and information on the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada website. Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media. SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Euronews
09-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Consumer groups fear EU plans to ease rules for chemicals sector
The European Commission presented on Tuesday its sixth 'omnibus' simplification package since the start of Ursula von der Leyen's mandate. This time, the target is the EU's chemical sector, a cornerstone of European industry, according to Commission Vice-President for Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné, but one that he says is 'increasingly under threat'. The reform package, officially titled the Action Plan for the Chemical Industry, combines new support measures for Europe's ailing producers with a set of rule changes designed to ease red tape and cut costs. The Commission claims it will save the industry over €360 million annually by simplifying how hazardous chemicals, cosmetics and fertilisers are labelled, regulated and authorised. But not everyone is convinced the latest push to modernise EU law is entirely harmless. Green lawmakers warn the simplification could undermine years of progress on health and environmental protection, accusing the Commission of siding with big industry at the expense of consumers. Speaking in Strasbourg, Stéphane Séjourné defended the plan as an 'industrial package above all', not merely a chemicals policy. 'We're talking about a sector that has seen its global market share nearly halved in the last 20 years,' he said, warning that Europe was risking the loss of its production base if it didn't act swiftly. He pointed to the closure of around twenty large chemical sites in recent years, and described steam crackers - essential, high-emission chemical plants - as ageing and in need of major investment. Séjourné said the aim was to keep these strategic assets in Europe while using the green transition to modernise them and improve competitiveness. 'We fully stand by our decarbonisation strategy,' he added, 'but it must also support our industrial resilience.' The action plan promises to lower energy costs through extended state aid rules and speed up investment in green technologies like hydrogen and chemical recycling. It also outlines the creation of a Critical Chemicals Alliance to identify vulnerable supply chains and reduce Europe's dependence on imports for key substances used in sectors like automotive, defence and healthcare. Simpler labelling for cosmetics and fertilisers Alongside these broader industrial goals, the Commission's Chemicals Omnibus introduces a raft of changes to EU rules, including simpler formats for chemical labelling and lighter procedures for cosmetics and fertilising products. These changes, the Commission insists, will not compromise safety. 'This is about reducing the administrative burden, not the level of protection,' said Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment and Circular Economy. 'We know that Europeans care deeply about chemical safety, and we believe that strong environmental standards can go hand in hand with strong business.' Roswall highlighted public concerns over harmful substances, particularly PFAS, also known as the 'forever chemicals', which have been found in the blood of nearly the entire Dutch population, according to recent research. The Commission said it is preparing a wide ban on PFAS in consumer goods, and plans to allow their continued use only in strategic sectors like health and defence, under strict conditions. But the Green group in the European Parliament is warning of a dangerous shift in priorities. 'Health protection is thrown overboard to increase the profits of the chemical industry,' said Greens/EFA co-president Bas Eickhout in a statement on Tuesday. He accused the Commission of weakening legislation, particularly on cosmetics, by allowing the continued use of substances previously banned due to cancer or reproductive toxicity risks. The Greens also criticised the move to undo some of the labelling rules introduced just last year, arguing it punishes companies that already made costly investments to comply, while rewarding those that lagged behind. While the Commission insists the reforms are part of a wider industrial strategy, the new chemicals package adds to a growing list of sector-specific 'omnibus' packages adopted in recent months, covering everything from farming to defence.
Euronews
08-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Brussels launches sixth ‘omnibus' to ease chemical rules – but not everyone is reassured
The European Commission presented on Tuesday its sixth 'omnibus' simplification package since the start of Ursula von der Leyen's mandate. This time, the target is the EU's chemical sector, a cornerstone of European industry, according to Commission Vice-President for Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné, but one that he says is 'increasingly under threat'. The reform package, officially titled the Action Plan for the Chemical Industry, combines new support measures for Europe's ailing producers with a set of rule changes designed to ease red tape and cut costs. The Commission claims it will save the industry over €360 million annually by simplifying how hazardous chemicals, cosmetics and fertilisers are labelled, regulated and authorised. But not everyone is convinced the latest push to modernise EU law is entirely harmless. Green lawmakers warn the simplification could undermine years of progress on health and environmental protection, accusing the Commission of siding with big industry at the expense of consumers. Speaking in Strasbourg, Stéphane Séjourné defended the plan as an 'industrial package above all', not merely a chemicals policy. 'We're talking about a sector that has seen its global market share nearly halved in the last 20 years,' he said, warning that Europe was risking the loss of its production base if it didn't act swiftly. He pointed to the closure of around twenty large chemical sites in recent years, and described steam crackers - essential, high-emission chemical plants - as ageing and in need of major investment. Séjourné said the aim was to keep these strategic assets in Europe while using the green transition to modernise them and improve competitiveness. 'We fully stand by our decarbonisation strategy,' he added, 'but it must also support our industrial resilience.' The action plan promises to lower energy costs through extended state aid rules and speed up investment in green technologies like hydrogen and chemical recycling. It also outlines the creation of a Critical Chemicals Alliance to identify vulnerable supply chains and reduce Europe's dependence on imports for key substances used in sectors like automotive, defence and healthcare. Alongside these broader industrial goals, the Commission's Chemicals Omnibus introduces a raft of changes to EU rules, including simpler formats for chemical labelling and lighter procedures for cosmetics and fertilising products. These changes, the Commission insists, will not compromise safety. 'This is about reducing the administrative burden, not the level of protection,' said Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment and Circular Economy. 'We know that Europeans care deeply about chemical safety, and we believe that strong environmental standards can go hand in hand with strong business.' Roswall highlighted public concerns over harmful substances, particularly PFAS, also known as the 'forever chemicals', which have been found in the blood of nearly the entire Dutch population, according to recent research. The Commission said it is preparing a wide ban on PFAS in consumer goods, and plans to allow their continued use only in strategic sectors like health and defence, under strict conditions. But the Green group in the European Parliament is warning of a dangerous shift in priorities. 'Health protection is thrown overboard to increase the profits of the chemical industry,' said Greens/EFA co-president Bas Eickhout in a statement on Tuesday. He accused the Commission of weakening legislation, particularly on cosmetics, by allowing the continued use of substances previously banned due to cancer or reproductive toxicity risks. The Greens also criticised the move to undo some of the labelling rules introduced just last year, arguing it punishes companies that already made costly investments to comply, while rewarding those that lagged behind. While the Commission insists the reforms are part of a wider industrial strategy, the new chemicals package adds to a growing list of sector-specific 'omnibus' packages adopted in recent months, covering everything from farming to defence.
