The Chemical Convention 2026, organised by the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), took place on 22–23 October 2026 in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. The event, which brought together leading representatives of the European chemical industry, sector experts and decision-makers, was attended by our Regulatory Affairs Coordinator, Dr. Ali Şenol Gündoğan, on behalf of the Turkish Chemical Manufacturers Association (TKSD).
During the Convention, the structural challenges facing the European chemical industry, competitive conditions in global markets, energy and production costs, the industry’s decarbonisation process, digital transformation and future industrial policies were comprehensively assessed.
The following sessions were attended throughout the event:
22 Ekim 2026, Perşembe
- Avrupa Kimya Sanayisinin Yeni Gerçekliği ve Stratejik Tercihler
- Avrupa Kimya Pazarındaki Zorlukların Yönetilmesi
- Yapay Zekâ ve Çoklu Ajan Sistemlerinin Kurumsal Ölçekte Kullanımı
23 Ekim 2026, Cuma
- Yeşil Dönüşümün Finansmanı ve Sürdürülebilir Kimyasalların Maliyetleri
- Küresel Üretim Kapasitesi Yarışı ve Avrupa'nın Stratejik Yanıtı
1. The New Reality: Strategic Choices for Europe's Chemical Industry
Avrupa Kimya Sanayisinin Yeni Gerçekliği ve Stratejik Tercihler
The panel assessed the structural challenges facing the European chemical industry due to high energy costs, weakening demand, pressure from global competition and a lack of investment. In particular, the impact of the advantages held by China and the US in terms of production costs and investment conditions on chemical production capacity in Europe was discussed. It was emphasised that, for Europe to maintain its position in the global chemicals market, it is not sufficient merely to support existing production facilities; rather, competitive production conditions must be established, innovation must be strengthened and strategic value chains must be safeguarded.
You can access the presentation here and the TKSD summary relating to the panel here.
2. Navigating Europe's Chemical Market Challenges
Avrupa Kimya Pazarındaki Zorlukların Yönetilmesi
The panel discussed the operational and financial strategies that European chemical companies could develop to enhance their competitiveness under current economic conditions. It was emphasised that companies should focus not only on external factors such as energy and raw material costs, but also on improvements they could make to their own management and production processes. Operational efficiency, the optimisation of procurement processes, aligning R&D activities with customer needs, and accelerating investment decisions were among the key topics discussed. Furthermore, private equity investments in the chemical sector, corporate restructuring, and the future of production facilities in Europe were assessed.
You can access the presentation here and the TKSD summary relating to the panel here.
3. Agentic Excellence – Deploying Multi-Agent Systems at Enterprise Scale
Yapay Zekâ ve Çoklu Ajan Sistemlerinin Kurumsal Ölçekte Kullanımı
The session, organised by Accenture, explored the potential of artificial intelligence technologies to transform companies’ business processes.
In particular, the session assessed the benefits that multiple AI agents working together could deliver in areas such as data analysis, supply chain management, demand forecasting, pricing, R&D and production optimisation. It was emphasised that artificial intelligence is not merely a cost-saving automation tool, but a strategic technology capable of transforming companies’ decision-making mechanisms and organisational structures. Furthermore, the importance of data security, human oversight and the reliable management of artificial intelligence systems was highlighted.
You can access the presentation here and the TKSD summary relating to the panel here.
4. The Green Premium Dilemma and Opportunities
Yeşil Dönüşümün Finansmanı ve Sürdürülebilir Kimyasalların Maliyetleri
The panel discussed the financing of the investments required for the European chemical industry to achieve its decarbonisation targets, as well as the additional costs associated with sustainable products compared to their conventional alternatives.
It was emphasised that developing technological solutions alone is not sufficient to enable the widespread adoption of chemicals produced from low-carbon, bio-based and recycled raw materials; market demand for these products must also be created.
Taking into account consumers’ limited willingness to bear additional costs, the importance of sharing the costs of the green transition amongst chemical producers, end-product manufacturers and other value chain stakeholders was assessed.
Furthermore, public support, investment incentives, market-creation mechanisms for low-carbon products and cost reduction through innovation were discussed.
You can access the presentation here and the TKSD summary relating to the panel here.
5. The Global Race for Industrial Capacity: What Is Europe's Response?
Küresel Üretim Kapasitesi Yarışı ve Avrupa'nın Stratejik Yanıtı
The panel discussed China’s growing influence over global production capacity and supply chains, and the strategies that European industry needs to develop in response to these developments. In particular, the discussion focused on China’s establishment of large-scale production capacity in certain sectors, the impact of low-cost exports on international competition, and dependence on supplies of critical raw materials. It was emphasised that Europe must safeguard its strategic chemical production capacity, strengthen its trade defence mechanisms and reduce its external dependence on critical products.
However, it was also noted that Europe’s competitiveness issues do not stem solely from China; high production costs, insufficient investment and the need for technological transformation must also be addressed.
You can access the presentation here and the TKSD summary relating to the panel here.
The sessions held as part of Cefic Chemical Convention 2026 provided an important platform for evaluating the current challenges facing the European chemical industry and its strategic priorities for the future.
The topics discussed during the panel sessions also have significant implications for the competitiveness of the Turkish chemical industry, its trade relations with the EU, sustainability transition, investment environment, and technological development.
TKSD will continue to represent the Turkish chemical industry by closely following developments within Cefic and at the international level, while keeping its members informed of key developments affecting the sector.
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