Brussels, 30/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 29 June, European paper industry leaders meeting up at the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) presented the European Commissioner for industry Günter Verheugen with their manifesto for competitiveness and employment. They said that to find a solution to the economic crisis and give European business a competitive edge, the European Commission should rapidly respond to the following seven challenges: Ensuring a better balance in policymaking between advocates of environmental, competitiveness and employment interests; allowing Europe to compete with lower energy cost competitors; creating winners not victims in the EU Emissions Trading System; boosting the availability of raw materials and market access; applying flexibility to competition rules to facilitate restructuring; fighting protectionism in competing countries and turning innovation into a reality. Today's paper industry is a model for sustainable businesses and promotes renewable energies through recycling. CEPI members are convinced that the EU's support is crucial for expanding the principles of sustainable development to the maximum number of businesses. (L.P./transl.rh)