EU presents the Clean Industrial Deal

The European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal (CID), announced on 26 February 2025, aims to boost EU industry competitiveness while accelerating decarbonization. It tackles high energy costs and regulatory challenges to create a stronger business case for Europe’s industrial future. The initiative aligns with the EU’s carbon neutrality goals for 2050.

The CID focuses on energy-intensive industries and clean technology. It supports industries transitioning to cleaner energy and promotes circularity to reduce dependence on external raw materials. By strengthening these sectors, the EU seeks to enhance resilience and sustainability. Key measures include lowering energy costs, increasing demand for EU-made clean products, and financing industrial decarbonization. Over €100 billion is planned to be mobilized, including through an Industrial Decarbonisation Bank. Policies will also encourage sustainability in procurement and energy efficiency improvements.

The CID also prioritizes access to critical raw materials and workforce development while reducing exposure to unreliable reporting. An EU Critical Raw Material Centre and a Union of Skills will be established to support industrial transformation. These efforts reinforce the EU’s leadership in clean industries and economic resilience. It will also introduce voluntary carbon intensity labeling for various industrial products. Demand for clean products will also be boosted by the fact that the CID will simplify and harmonise carbon accounting methods.

The CID includes the imminent launch of a programme by the Commission to create trade and investment partnerships for a clean economy. It will also take tough action to protect our industries from unfair global competition and overcapacity. The Commission will create a skills union that invests in workers, develops skills and creates quality jobs.  In addition, the Erasmus+ programme will strengthen education and training programmes with up to €90 million of funding to develop a skilled and adaptable workforce and address skills shortages in key sectors.