The global aluminium industry, like everyone else, is undergoing a serious stress test amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The regional aluminium associations play an important role in maintaining the position of enterprises during this period of turbulence. Thus, the European Aluminium Association (EAA), which, along with the American Aluminium Association, is the largest among the world aluminium associations, applied to the European Commission with a list of actions to be taken in relation to the pandemic.
In particular, given, for example, the importance of aluminium smelters for the sustainable operation of the power system, it is recommended to recognize aluminium production as a necessary activity in Europe. This will allow industry enterprises to receive preferential benefits and exemptions stipulated by law – free movement of food and medicine packaging made of aluminium, support for recycling, etc. The list of proposed measures also includes unimpeded transportation of aluminium.
In addition, in order to provide the industry with liquidity, EAA calls on banks and insurance companies to refrain from tightening their policies. It also advocates for softening the deadlines and reporting requirements within the framework of the Emissions Trading System and the application of Best Available Technologies (BAT).