Brussels – Bernard Delvaux, CEO of the Belgian construction materials group Etex, is urging a shift in European industrial policy, arguing that fostering domestic manufacturing capacity is more effective than simply imposing regulatory mandates. Delvaux’s comments, made in a recent interview, highlight growing concerns about the competitiveness of European industries in a global market and the increasing complexity of the EU’s regulatory environment. The call for a renewed focus on European production comes as the region grapples with supply chain vulnerabilities and seeks to bolster its economic resilience.
Etex, a significant player in the building materials sector with a reported €3.8 billion in revenue and operations in 50 countries, including 160 factories worldwide, remains heavily reliant on the European market, deriving 70% of its sales from the continent. Delvaux’s perspective reflects the challenges faced by companies navigating a landscape of increasing regulations and geopolitical uncertainty. He contends that the current approach is creating bureaucratic hurdles and driving up production costs, ultimately hindering European businesses.
The Burden of Regulation
Delvaux is critical of what he describes as a trend within the European Union of viewing industry as a “problem” rather than a “part of the solution.” He asserts that over the past 10-15 years, the EU has significantly complicated matters through excessive regulation, leading to increased production costs for European companies. “L’Europe s’est profondément fourvoyée ces 10, 15 dernières années et elle a considéré l’industrie comme un problème, et pas comme une partie de la solution,” Delvaux stated, as reported by La Libre Belgique. (Translation: “Europe has profoundly erred in the last 10-15 years and has considered industry as a problem, and not as part of the solution.”)
He further argues that the lengthy decision-making processes within the EU are detrimental to businesses, which require agility and a stable regulatory framework. Delvaux emphasizes the need for companies to be able to make quick decisions based on a predictable and stable regulatory environment, coupled with access to reliable and stable energy sources – conditions he believes are increasingly difficult to achieve in Europe.
Etex’s Performance and Delvaux’s Background
Delvaux’s concerns come after Etex reported strong 2025 results with improved profitability, as noted by PA Media. The company’s Board of Directors has proposed a gross dividend of EUR 1.03 per share, consistent with previous years. Delvaux attributed the positive results to the strength of Etex’s fundamentals and diversified portfolio.
Bernard Delvaux holds master’s degrees in Civil Engineering and Business & Economics from the Université de Liège, and an MBA from INSEAD, according to his CV. He brings extensive experience across the aerospace, consulting, and manufacturing industries, with a proven track record in transformation, leading large teams, and managing relationships with labor unions.
Geopolitical Context and Regional Stakes
Delvaux’s call for a “Made in Europe” approach aligns with a broader trend of increasing calls for strategic autonomy within the EU, particularly in critical sectors like manufacturing and technology. The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, prompting a reassessment of the EU’s reliance on external sources for essential goods. This push for greater self-sufficiency is also driven by concerns about geopolitical risks and the potential for disruptions to trade flows. The debate over industrial policy is particularly sensitive given the EU’s commitment to free trade and its role as a global economic power.
The European Commission has launched several initiatives aimed at strengthening the EU’s industrial base, including the Industrial Strategy and the Green Deal Industrial Plan, which seeks to mobilize investment in clean technologies. Although, Delvaux’s comments suggest that these efforts may be insufficient without a more fundamental shift in mindset towards prioritizing domestic production and streamlining regulations.
Looking ahead, the EU will need to balance its commitment to open markets with the need to protect its industrial base and ensure its long-term competitiveness. The debate over the optimal approach is likely to intensify as the EU navigates a complex geopolitical landscape and seeks to address the challenges of climate change and technological disruption.
What are your thoughts on the balance between regulation and fostering domestic manufacturing in Europe? Share your perspective in the comments below.
