A Clean Industrial Deal, presented by the European Commission, outlines its plan to support the competitiveness and resilience of Europe’s industry by accelerating decarbonisation, while securing the future of manufacturing in Europe.
Europe’s industries need urgent support, says the Commission, as it is faced with high energy costs and ‘fierce and often unfair’ global competition.
The new Deal positions decarbonisation as a powerful driver of growth for European industries. The Commisison says this framework can drive competitiveness as it gives certainty and predictability to companies and investors that Europe remains committed to become a decarbonised economy by 2050.
“Our plan provides the stability and confidence investors need – unlocking capital, expanding clean tech markets, making energy more accessible, and ensuring a fair, competitive landscape where businesses can thrive,” said EC vice-president Teresa Ribera: “But it’s also about people. This strategy is designed to create jobs, develop skills, and open opportunities for all Europeans.”
The Deal focuses mainly on energy-intensive industries and clean tech. Energy-intensive industries require urgent support to decarbonise and electrify, facing high energy costs, unfair global competition and complex regulations, harming its competitiveness. Clean Tech is seen to be at the heart of future competitiveness and growth as well as crucial for industrial transformation.
The Commission has also adopted an Action Plan on Affordable Energy to lower energy bills for industries, businesses and households.
The Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act will increase demand for EU-made clean products, byintroducing sustainability, resilience, and made in Europe criteria in public and private procurements. With the review of the Public Procurement Framework in 2026, the Commission will introduce sustainability, resilience and European preference criteria in public procurement for strategic sectors.
The Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act will also launch a voluntary carbon intensity label for industrial products, starting with steel in 2025, followed by cement. The Commission will simplify and harmonise carbon accounting methodologies. These labels will inform consumers and allow manufacturers to reap a premium on their decarbonisation efforts.
The Clean Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for decarbonisation and competitiveness
Questions & Answers on the Clean Industrial Deal
Factsheet on the Clean Industrial Deal
Press release on the Action Plan on Affordable Energy
