UKLA President’s Report
This year the UK faces a general election that could herald in a new government. The issue of the increasing role of clean energy in a net zero future will no doubt be a key issue hotly debated as all political parties look to exert their green credentials.
The UK is already moving ahead with plans to become net zero by 2050, in embracing sustainable fuels like hydrogen or clean energy like domestic heat pumps and solar panels. Although the lubricants sector still needs to continue to make the case that we are part of an energy-conserving industry and hence part of the solution to a net zero world.
With this in mind, our policy and lobbying activity with governments this year will maintain the focus on our credentials to be seen to be part of this net zero solution. The other part will be dedicated to ensuring regulatory alignment wherever possible and practicable with that of the European Union, our closest trading bloc and one of the largest.
At the end of last year, the UK Government announced a Carbon Border Adjustment
mechanism, similar to that of the EU, to be introduced by 2027 and initially focusing on heavy industrial sectors such as iron and steel.
Similarly, the UK remains committed to REACH, with Northern Ireland continuing to follow EU REACH as part of the Windsor framework. However, the UK Government has adopted a more realistic approach in reviewing the regulatory arrangements by recognising that the UK market is 15% of that of the EU and it would not be realistic to maintain the same costs of participation in EU REACH for a much smaller market.
The next general election must be held no later than 25th January 2025, most likely in the autumn of this year. There may be policy changes ahead, whatever the outcome of the election, but UKLA will continue to press the case for an equitable deal for our members and the wider UK lubricants sector.
Mike Bewsey, UKLA President
UEIL President’s Report
From the challenges posed by a global pandemic to the escalating climate crisis and the shadows of war, Europe has undergone a period of profound transformation in recent years. As 2024 unfolds, additional challenges loom on the horizon. Furthermore, many jurisdictions worldwide, including the EU and the US, are gearing up for elections.
Following the EU elections in June, a new 5-year mandate for the EU will commence, bringing forth both new opportunities and, very likely, new challenges. As the unifying voice of independent lubricant operators in Europe, we embark on 2024 with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to supporting our members in navigating these waters and driving positive change for our industry.
Our dual mission is to represent and defend the interests of our industry while actively supporting EU policymaking. Simultaneously, we strive to raise
4 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.179 FEBRUARY 2024
awareness of the value that our industry brings to the European economy, society, and the environment.
We are planning joint education and advocacy activities in collaboration with peer and partner institutions such as ATIEL, ATC, ILMA, and ALIA. If you wish to learn more about our organisation and objectives, do not hesitate to contact us. Additionally, we are initiating the organisation of our Annual Congress, scheduled to take place in Porto, Portugal, between 16 and 18 October. This congress, the first under the new EU mandate, will be the crucial platform for our industry to discuss the way forward.
You should all join. We need your contributions and ideas!
Mattia Adani, UEIL President
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