The Valencian Community Business Confederation (CEV) is pushing for immediate, short-term relief for energy-intensive industries, a move already adopted by neighboring European nations. The association warns that rising gas, electricity, and fuel costs threaten the viability of sectors such as textiles, chemicals, ceramics, leather, and even maritime logistics. This energy pressure jeopardizes jobs, supply chains, and regional economic stability across the Valencian economy.
During a gathering at CaixaForum València, CEV’s leadership and board condemned the difficult conditions now facing industry and related sectors amid the ongoing energy crisis. At the energy commission meeting, chaired by Vicente Nomdedeu, delegates highlighted the absence of rapid direct assistance to weather this temporary shock, a gap that could imperil the survival of many enterprises. This situation demands swift, targeted intervention to prevent lasting damage to production capacity and regional competitiveness. [Citation: Valencian Confederation of Businesses, 2024]
CEV notes that not only the core industrial domains, but also hospitality, food service, transportation, the integrated water cycle, and agriculture are navigating a very challenging period. They entered the energy crisis with razor-thin profit margins, and the sharp rise in energy costs has intensified financial stress across these interconnected sectors. [Citation: Valencian Confederation of Businesses, 2024]
Despite visible support for gas-intensive industries to date, a large number of firms still wait for additional relief. CEV calls for accelerated delivery of aid, urging the central government to roll out emergency assistance at a comparable, even more substantial level than that extended by nearby European peers. [Citation: Valencian Confederation of Businesses, 2024]
Regarding regional assistance under the Valenciana Generalitat’s Reactive Plan for gas-consuming companies, the Consell has signaled the need to implement measures that align with, and ideally exceed, the levels of support already provided by the central authorities. This plan is viewed as essential, but it is considered by CEV to be incomplete without stronger, complementary measures from Madrid. [Citation: Valencian Confederation of Businesses, 2024]
CEV seeks non-repayable support to keep companies alive amid rising energy prices
CEV also urges the expansion of financial cushions through soft loans and enhanced bank intermediation to ensure liquidity flows to affected firms. The aim is twofold: boost working capital while expanding risk thresholds to reflect the elevated price environment, thereby preserving operations and protecting payrolls. [Citation: Valencian Confederation of Businesses, 2024]
The organization emphasizes that the requested aid should be temporary and conditional, addressing the external driver of the challenge rather than creating a permanent adjustment mechanism. Once energy prices normalize, the intervention would be scaled back. Yet there is concern that any delay could render the measures too little, too late. [Citation: Valencian Confederation of Businesses, 2024]
In related developments, the CEV governing bodies approved three new partners: Dymsa Engineering, ComplyNow, and Grupo Alacant, expanding the confederation’s representation and capacity to support member enterprises. Following this, Enric Fernández, CaixaBank’s chief economist, delivered a presentation on Economic Perspectives in Times of Inflation and Uncertainty, engaging with executives from companies closely associated with CEV. [Citation: Valencian Confederation of Businesses, 2024]