The European Commission has introduced the Clean Industrial Deal, a strategic plan aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of EU industries. The deal seeks to accelerate decarbonisation while securing the future of European manufacturing, addressing issues like high energy costs and intense global competition. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for decisive actions to foster innovation and investment in the EU, despite challenges posed by external markets. More than 400 business leaders took part in this and the Clean Industrial Deal will mobilise over €100 billion to support EU-made clean manufacturing, creating 500,000 new jobs.
Faced with high energy costs and fierce global competition, European industries need urgent support. The Clean Industrial Deal outlines concrete actions to turn decarbonisation into a driver of growth for European industries. This includes lowering energy prices, creating quality jobs and the right conditions for companies to thrive.
The Deal presents measures to boost every stage of production, with a focus on:
- energy-intensive industries such as steel, metals, and chemicals, that urgently need support to decarbonise, switch to clean energy, and tackle high costs, unfair global competition, and complex regulations
- the clean-tech sector which is at the heart of future competitiveness and necessary for industrial transformation, circularity, and decarbonisation.
Another element of the Deal is circularity which aims to reduce waste and extend the life of materials by promoting recycling, reuse, and sustainable production. Maximising EU’s limited resources and reducing overdependencies on third-country suppliers for raw materials is crucial for a competitive and resilient market.
The plan prioritizes energy-intensive industries, offering crucial support for decarbonisation and electrification efforts, and aims to improve EU’s competitiveness in global markets. Additionally, the deal targets the clean technology sector, integral to industrial transformation and future growth. Circularity and reduced dependency on raw material imports are key components of the strategy. The Clean Industrial Deal also focuses on simplifying regulations and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, providing clarity for businesses and investors, with the ultimate goal of making the EU a leader in clean and sustainable industrial practices by 2050.
