The provincial institution believes the EU proposal could significantly impact the ceramic industry, a key economic driver for the province. According to the document submitted by the Council's president, Marta Barrachina, Brussels' proposed modification could result in ceramic companies losing between 109 and 160 million euros annually in free allowances, potentially affecting business competitiveness and employment.
The Council argues that the province of Castellón hosts Europe's main cluster for ceramic tile manufacturing, an activity that accounts for approximately 25% of the provincial industrial GDP. Furthermore, the sector generates over 70,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs and sustains economic activity in 18 municipalities within the province.
The public consultation process, concluding on June 8, is part of the review of free emission allowance allocation mechanisms within the EU's CO₂ emissions trading system. The EU proposal particularly affects energy-intensive industries like ceramics due to a potential reduction of up to 24% in free emission allowances for certain installations. The Council contends that the new calculation parameters are based on technologies that are not yet fully industrially viable for replacing natural gas in the sector's production processes.
The objections filed align with those put forth by the tile manufacturers' association, Ascer, which calls for specific treatment for the ceramic industry in emission calculations. Both the association and the Council deem it necessary for European criteria to consider current technological limitations and allow for an energy transition compatible with industrial activity and job maintenance.
The defense of the ceramic sector has been a primary institutional demand from Castellón. In March, representatives from the Provincial Council, the Generalitat Valenciana, the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, and the Spanish and Italian ceramic industry associations presented a manifesto to Brussels for the future of European ceramics. The initiative sought measures to advance environmental objectives without compromising the competitiveness of an industry that accounts for nearly 80% of European ceramic tile production between Spain and Italy.
