On the 11th February 2026 in Antwerp, Europe's industrial and political leaders came together to deliver a clear message: there is no resilient, safe, or strong Europe without a strong European industry.
The flavour industry is a key part of Europe's industrial backbone and contributes to the competitiveness of the wider food and drink sector. We stand with colleagues across sectors to call for bold, coordinated action that supports European competitiveness, safeguards jobs, and strengthens innovation.
Marc van der Duijs, EFFA Executive Director, joined more than 500 business leaders, factory workers, trade association leaders, and policymakers including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
Their message is clear: Europe's competitiveness crisis is deepening – urgent action is needed. Investment is leaving. Job losses are accelerating. Europe must move from diagnosis to delivery – not next year, not next week, but today. The Antwerp Declaration Community calls for Emergency Industrial Policy Measures focused on:
This is a decisive moment. Europe must act now. We're not asking for protection from change – we want the conditions to lead it. Save our Industry. Not next year. Not next week. Today.
Read the Antwerp Call to Action.