Finland’s industrial workforce delivers the 1000th signature of the Antwerp Declaration as Teollisuusliitto & Pro unions sign up – demonstrating the importance of strong and stable industrial relations to achieve the high quality jobs demanded and industrial success in Europe.

The Antwerp Declaration, and its call for a European Industrial Deal, has seen a remarkable surge in support, having reached 1000 supporters from business leaders of companies, associations and Trade Union organisations representing 25 sectors across Europe, in an historic display of unity.

The Antwerp Declaration was first presented by 73 industrial leaders, including industriAll Europe’s President Michael Vassiliadis, on 20 February at the European Industry Summit to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. The rapid increase in signatures underscores the pressing need for concerted action in the face of unparalleled economic challenges.

The Antwerp Declaration underlines industry’s commitment to Europe, to the green transition and to keeping high quality jobs in Europe.

IndustriAll Europe General Secretary, Judith Kirton-Darling says: “The future of our energy-intensive industries and manufacturing is fundamental to delivering the climate solutions Europe needs. It depends on investment and targeted industrial policies in these politically and economically challenging times. This is what industry and unions are calling for with this declaration, making the 1000th signature from our Finnish affiliates so important. Quality jobs depend on the full respect of collective bargaining and workers’ rights – currently under attack in Finland. We stand in full solidarity with our Finnish affiliated unions.”

Marco Mensink, Director General of Cefic, emphasised the urgency of the situation: “The future of Europe is made with industry. A common and holistic European approach for an Industrial Deal is essential. Today, 1000 organisations are united in their strong call for a European Industrial Deal to implement the Green Deal, ensure that industry remains globally competitive, and keep high quality jobs for European workers in Europe. We urge EU Leaders to include our call in the new EU Strategic Agenda and policies for the next five years and embed the Industrial Deal into the structure, budget, and fabric of the new European Commission”.

The European Council next week and the Competitiveness Council in May, the Letta and Draghi reports, the Clean Transition Dialogues, and the Antwerp Declaration all come together in a historic moment for industry in Europe.

The Antwerp Declaration serves as a wake-up call to decision-makers in Europe, laying out a widely agreed framework of ten key points outlining the need to address high energy prices, establishing common European infrastructure, secure raw material supplies, foster a smarter innovation framework, and stimulate demand for sustainable products. The declaration also advocates for a robust investment framework for technologies and calls for leveraging the single market to ensure businesses remain in Europe.

The Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal is now open to individuals who wish to express their support in a personal capacity.

For more information on and to join the growing coalition of supporters, visit antwerp-declaration.eu