European Chemical Regions Network
The operation “European Chemical Regions Network” (ECRN) is centered around concerted actions for European regions with dominant chemical industries. In Europe, the chemical industry (especially the petrochemical industry) is clustered in just a few regions. In these regions, the chemical sector often represents the major economic force exhibiting strong impacts on most other economic sectors. Due to transformation and restructuring processes, chemical regions have faced significant challenges in the past and continue to experience pressure to adapt to new conditions (e.g. those associated with EU enlargement). With all these factors in mind, regions have taken the initiative to form a network of chemical regions in Europe. The major goal of the network is to facilitate joint actions of “Chemical Regions” in Europe in the fields of regional development and industrial policy. As such, the network strives to develop new and innovative concepts for the transition of “Chemical Regions” and seeks to act as a platform for discussion with the European Union and as a recognised stakeholder representing “Chemical Regions” in all policy and regional development aspects. The operation creates awareness of and regional profiles and strategies for “Chemical Regions” acting as a recognised stakeholder at the European level. This strengthens the competitiveness of areas with chemical industry and allows for a joint positioning on essential EU policies such as those related to the Lisbon Strategy. Jointly developed recommendations also help improve the effectiveness of Structural Fund programmes with regards to “Chemical Regions.” Activities include several ECRN events and regional partnership meetings in order to involve relevant actors from administration, science and enterprises in the network activities. The operation has published a joint declaration on future EU Chemical Policy as well as a joint report on the Emission Trading System. To support PR activities, partners have also issued the "Who is Who" of “Chemical Regions” and participated in the EC Stakeholder Consultation "Actions on Climate Change Post 2012".