SolarPower Europe’s Supply Chain Sustainability Workstream Strategy Day 2025

The day began with introductory remarks from Junior Policy Advisor on Sustainability and   Workstream Coordinator Artemis Fakorelli and Chair Leda Langberg, where they both underlined the ongoing need for coordination and collective action in a fast-changing policy environment. Despite the current unpredictability of the economy and markets, the workstream reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining collaboration at the core of its strategy to drive a just transition.
 

The morning sessions saw key policymakers from the European Commission share insights on regulatory implementation and global trade dynamics. Charles Lionack from the Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union (DG FISMA) outlined the Omnibus I simplification package, and the importance in maintaining the ambitions of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), while easing the reporting burden. The Director-General of the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD) Gerassimos Thomas addressed changing dynamics in global trade due to tariff uncertainties and examined the impact of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) implementation on the solar industry. Finally, Javier Martin Cerracin from the Directorate-General for Trade (DG TRADE) discussed the vital Forced Labour Regulation, highlighting a risk-based approach and the importance of cooperation with national customs authorities.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to concrete tools for implementation and making regulatory frameworks come to life. Margaux Plurien and Julija Menise from the Solar Stewardship Initiative showcased key developments in the growth of the Iinitiative and its alignment with due diligence requirements. Kaise Toroskainen of the Global Battery Alliance explored opportunities to interconnect solar and battery sector frameworks, including an update on the Battery Passport pilot.
 

The day concluded with remarks from the Workstream’s Vice-Chair Pia Alina Lange, and an empowering message for national associations to take the topic of the supply chain sustainability to their relevant authorities.