Industry call for effective implementation of Clean Industrial Deal
Read the Joint letter
The Clean Industrial Deal (CID) is not only a policy framework but also a strategic chance to lead global races for clean innovation and technology, fostering new global partnerships while building on the EU’s strong industrial base and leveraging the potential of its single market.
Yet short-term competitive pressures on energy- and resource-intensive industries are real. Many are already investing heavily in decarbonisation, as recognised by Ursula von der Leyen in her State of the Union address. These efforts must be assisted and rewarded. The CID should provide the right incentives and frameworks to support industries facing critical reinvestment decisions before 2030.
Europe’s predictable climate and energy framework is one of its greatest competitive assets. Regulatory stability does not mean inertia; it means simplifying where possible, while preserving a clear, credible long-term direction. Abrupt reversals or fragmented approaches risks undermining investor confidence, companies’ progress and delaying industrial renewal – impacting sustainable industrial competitiveness right now. The CID should therefore prioritise targeted reforms that make transformation easier and clean investment more attractive – with a practical, forward-looking set of immediate priorities.
The joint letter outlines a business roadmap for resilience and industrial leadership, urging action on:
A 90 per cent climate target for 2040
Europe’s 2040 climate target should aim for at least a 90% emissions reduction, signalling commitment to climate neutrality and industrial leadership, while enabling policies like reaffirming the ETS timeline boost confidence and investment.
Clean energy, energy efficiency and electrification
Affordable, reliable clean energy is key to Europe’s competitiveness and security, requiring coordinated infrastructure investment and supportive policies to scale electrification, renovation, and low-carbon transport, lowering costs and reducing geopolitical risks.
Lead markets for innovative, low carbon products
Strong demand, clear standards, and strategic public procurement are vital to scale clean industries, cut costs, and drive innovation, with low-carbon electricity prioritised and the Industrial Accelerator Act keeping decarbonisation and electrification at its core.
Cleantech deployment
Europe must accelerate clean technology deployment to stay competitive, leveraging economies of scale to cut costs and boost innovation, while policy clarity and the European Competitiveness Fund are essential to de-risk investment and secure leadership in green industries.
Mobilising investment
Public finance should strategically attract private capital and close the investment gap through a coherent framework ensuring fair access, simplified state aid rules, blended finance with de-risking tools, and rapid launch of the European Competitiveness Fund and Industrial Decarbonisation Bank.
Circular economy as a strategic asset
Circularity boosts sustainability, resilience, and productivity by reducing resource and import dependency, creating up to 2.5 million jobs by 2030, and ensuring fair access to raw materials, with swift implementation of the Circular Economy Act providing clear pathways and standards for expansion.
Accelerating the twin digital and green transitions
The EU must accelerate digital innovation and investment to stay globally competitive, leveraging technologies to boost energy efficiency, optimise resources, reduce waste, and speed up renewables, supported by high-quality data, robust infrastructure, and skilled talent.
Cohesion and fairness
The transition must be inclusive, creating quality jobs across Europe by investing in cohesion, training, reskilling, and SME participation, ensuring fair access as demand for skilled workers grows rapidly.
This is the EU’s opportunity to strengthen its policies and reinforce its global leadership in clean industry. With consistent action, the Clean Industrial Deal can deliver what businesses and citizens need: a competitive, resilient, and future-proof European economy.
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