In the absence
of action on
emissions by
the EU, national
governments
may pass their
own measures
to control
volatile organic
compounds
and other air
pollutants.
Europe Shifts Priority From
VOC Control to Economic Growth
by Sean Milmo
European Correspondent
milmocw@rodmanmedia.com
The likelihood of tighter European Union regulations on air emissions being im- posed on the European coatings and
other industries has been receding as the EU
gives top priority to economic growth at a time
when many of the region’s economies have once
again slid into or are on the edge of recession.
Nonetheless, coatings producers face the danger that in the absence of action on emissions by
the EU, national governments will be taking their
own additional measures to control volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other air pollutants.
A new European Commission, the Brussels-based EU executive which took over in
November, has signalled that its primary concern is economic recovery.
“Europe needs a kick-start and the
Commission is providing the jump leads,”
Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the new
Commission, told the European Parliament in
late November.
The Parliament, which was newly elected
in the summer, is also showing itself to be less
green than its predecessor.
The Commission has already indicated that
it may withdraw a set of proposals for stricter
environmental rules put forward by its predecessor. These had yet to be fully debated by
the European Parliament and the Council of
Minister representing the governments of the
EU’s 28 member states. Both bodies have to approve legislation proposed by the Commission
before it can be implemented.
Even if the Commission does decide to
press ahead with the proposals, which are
mainly centered on proposed stricter emissions
targets under the existing National Emissions
