Europe’s hard-to-abate cement industry, a strategic industry underpinning Europe’s economy and security, is investing heavily in innovative decarbonization initiatives. But as it strives to meet EU environmental regulations, its competitiveness on the global stage is at stake. Since 2016, EU imports of cheaper, higher-emission cement have risen from 2.4 million to 14.2 million tonnes, while exports have more than halved.
Marcel Cobuz, chair of TITAN Group executive committee
Marcel Cobuz, member of the board of the Global Cement and Concrete Association and chair of the Group Executive Committee of TITAN Group, one of Europe’s leading producers, says that in the absence of a coherent long-term plan from legislators, the EU’s cement industry, from the regional multinationals to each local producer, is potentially facing an existential threat. The impact will hit beyond the specific industry: as cement is essential not only for Europe’s housing but also its critical infrastructure, a loss of strategic autonomy in construction materials could ultimately threaten EU sovereignty.
Cobuz spoke with POLITICO Studio about measures that could help to mitigate the rising costs of production and boost the market for low-carbon, ‘Made in Europe’ products.
