Wienerberger AG

Expert discussion organized by the Federation of Austrian Industries in Brussels - Seite 3

Markus Beyrer, Director General of BusinessEurope, fully supports investments in Europe's future competitiveness. "Research, development and innovation are absolutely crucial. The fact that industrial policy has been defined as a priority of the Austrian EU Presidency and the clear commitment expressed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs to demand a more forward-looking approach of the EU budget have industry's full support. Our future will depend on investments in European research and innovation performance to boost Europe's competitiveness and strengthen its key technologies. What is at stake is nothing less than our technology leadership", underlines Markus Beyrer.

Concrete measures in support of Europe's industry secure our future
Gernot Haas, Head of the Permanent Office of the Federation of Austrian Industries in Brussels, underlines the positive role of the current EU Council Presidency. "The Austrian Presidency is determined to elaborate an EU industrial policy based on a long-term strategy. The individual elements involved, such as a set of indicators of industrial performance or the mainstreaming of industrial issues, will determine the future of Europe as an industrial location. It will be important to use the momentum thus created and to send a strong signal to the future European Commission that legislative initiatives are required in this area."

The participants in the discussion agreed that the European Union has already launched important initiatives, as illustrated by the Juncker Plan and "Horizon Europe". However, from the viewpoint of industry experts, further efforts will have to be made in terms of EU industrial policy. Austria should use the occasion of the EU Presidency to set the pace by defining a long-term vision of the role of industry in the European Union and to initiate concrete industrial policy measures. This includes not only a global orientation, but also the fast elimination of bureaucratic obstacles, a clearly defined strategy against the current shortage of skilled labor, and targeted measures to promote the transformation of industry.

Wienerberger Group
Wienerberger is the world's largest producer of bricks (Porotherm, Terca) and the market leader in clay roof tiles (Koramic, Tondach) in Europe as well as concrete pavers (Semmelrock) in Central and Eastern Europe. In pipe systems (Steinzeug-Keramo ceramic pipes and Pipelife plastic pipes), the company is one of the leading suppliers in Europe. With its total of 193 production sites, the Wienerberger Group generated revenues of Eur 3,120 million and EBITDA of Eur 415 million in 2017.

For further information please contact
Karin Steinbichler, Head of Corporate Communications Wienerberger AG
t [phone] - 10149 | [e-mail]

Klaus Ofner, Head of Investor Relations Wienerberger AG
t [phone] - 10221 | [e-mail]

Wienerberger AG is a pure free float company, whereby the majority of shares are held by Austrian and international institutional investors. Additional information on the shareholder structure is provided under https://wienerberger.com/en/investors/share

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emitter: Wienerberger AG
address: Wienerbergstraße 11, 1100 Wien
country: Austria
contact person: Karin Steinbichler
phone: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
website: www.wienerberger.com

ISIN(s): AT0000831706 (share)
stock exchanges: official trade in Vienna

[ source: http://www.pressetext.com/news/20181012020 ]