European industries are urging policymakers to adopt viable policies and a coherent framework to seize the “historic opportunity” presented by the Clean Industrial Deal.

Sectors from chemicals to steel say they share a vision of a prosperous, climate-free Europe where industry remains at the heart of innovation and economic power. But he has expressed concerns that Europe has not learned from past mistakes at a time when it needs to ensure its global competitiveness.

Europe’s competitive edge is at risk, with serious challenges from the US and China looming over the continent, but Europe’s industries are vital to achieving climate neutrality and innovation.

Factoring in European tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, the energy price gap between the EU and the US, US incentives to reduce inflation, and of course Donald Trump’s return to the White House – this headline cocktail will ruin any dry January. Enough to do.

The Clean Industrial Deal, which will be published by February 26, comes at an important time for Europe’s traditional industries.

With geopolitical tensions pushing the EU towards greater self-sufficiency, the bill is central to restoring Europe’s economic and technological standing, securing climate neutrality and achieving energy security.

Steel called for a European deal.

The European Steel Association (EUROFER) advocates the completion of the Clean Industrial Deal with the European Steel Agreement to secure the future of Europe’s steel industry while advancing climate goals, following a proposal by German MEPs.

EUROFER Director General, Axel Eggert, has praised Ursula von der Leyen’s commitment to promoting a competitive, clean steel sector for the EU’s prosperity and climate goals.

In order to successfully transform the steel industry and position the EU as a leader in clean technologies, several key priorities must be addressed.

These include tackling global overcapacity and unfair trade practices, improving the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to prevent exploitation, ensuring access to affordable clean energy, and increasing demand for green products through public procurement. .

Additionally, sufficient financial resources should be allocated to support sector-wide decarbonisation efforts.

Eggert argues that integrating the European Steel Agreement into a clean industrial deal would replicate the success of the European Coal and Steel Community, leading to both prosperity and leadership.

Energy intensive industries, renewable integration

The transition to climate neutrality requires replacing fossil fuels with sustainable, circular methods, particularly within energy-intensive industries. Steel, aluminum, and cement are essential to the renewable energy sector, especially wind energy, which provides 20 percent of Europe’s electricity.

Giles Dixon, CEO of WindEurope, advocates decarbonising industries by supporting electrification and wind energy with continued implementation of the Wind Power Package.

Marko Mensnik, Director General of Cefic, emphasizes the importance of cross-sector cooperation, direct electricity projects, and the infrastructure needed to increase wind energy potential.

Collaboration between industries such as cement and steel is key, as these sectors provide key components for building wind turbines, and their decarbonisation will directly contribute to the development of the wind energy sector.

Coordination of investment and policy.

The European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE) and a coalition of 46 organizations have called on the European Commission to support Europe’s green transition to maintain its competitiveness and meet the EU’s climate and biodiversity targets. I prefer investment.

A joint open letter from these stakeholders highlights the EU’s lack of a long-term investment strategy, which threatens the success of the Clean Industrial Deal.

The letter urges policymakers to create a predictable regulatory framework that will attract private investment. They argue that strong enforcement of environmental and climate laws is essential to give businesses the confidence to invest in emissions reduction and pollution prevention technologies.

They argue that public investment should complement private funding, target industrial transformation and support businesses committed to real decarbonisation.

Learning from past failures

Europe has seen a sharp decline in global economic influence, with its share of the world’s 100 most valuable companies falling from 41 to just 15 since the early 2000s.

This decline indicates a deep competitiveness crisis, which has serious implications for the green transition.

Ann Mettler, vice president for Europe at Breakthrough Energy, argues that a clean industrial deal could either reverse or stabilize Europe’s decline.

Mettler suggests that policymakers should address key issues in policy planning, as the current approach – relying on a Directorate General to design and implement policy – ​​addresses cross-sector challenges. lacks the breadth and integration required for

A more comprehensive, integrated policy-making strategy is critical to making meaningful progress and rebuilding Europe’s competitiveness – today, not tomorrow.

[Edited By Brian Maguire | Euractiv’s Advocacy Lab ]