The chemical industry, essential for supplying key materials to various sectors of the economy, is currently experiencing severe difficulties. At the EEC Trends conference, Kamil Majczak, the president of Qemetica—Europe's second-largest producer of calcined soda and the largest Polish producer of plant protection products—expressed the industry's concerns about its future. The challenges primarily stem from soaring energy costs, excessive regulatory burdens, and increasing competition from outside the European Union.

Majczak highlighted the need for a pragmatic approach to the situation, acknowledging that while cheaper gas is not likely to be available, there is room to avoid implementing additional regulations that further restrict the advantages of the common EU market. He pressed for a more realistic stance in policy planning to ensure the survival and competitiveness of the industry. The chemical sector's decline would not only impact producers but also have broader repercussions for the economy reliant on its outputs.

As the industry braces for potential collapse, it raises serious concerns about the future of manufacturing and the availability of essential materials within Europe. If steps are not taken to alleviate regulatory pressures and address energy costs, the European chemical industry could witness a significant reduction in its operations and capacity, which may lead to increased reliance on foreign suppliers and further economic vulnerabilities.