Europe Moves Toward a New Industrial Strategy
Clean Technologies
The European Commission has outlined a major shift in industrial policy with its proposed Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) — a regulation designed to rebuild Europe’s manufacturing base and speed up the transition to low‑carbon production. The text is still under negotiation, but its direction is clear: Europe wants to produce more at home, buy more from home, and support companies investing in clean technologies.
A Strategic Reset for European Industry
The IAA aims to reverse the long decline of manufacturing across the EU by:
- strengthening industrial capacity in strategic sectors such as steel, cement, batteries and hydrogen
- boosting demand for low‑carbon products made within Europe
- reducing reliance on non‑EU suppliers
- accelerating investment in clean industrial projects
- simplifying administrative procedures for companies
The EU’s ambition is to raise manufacturing to 20% of GDP by 2035, creating new markets for European‑made low‑carbon goods.
A Quiet Move Toward “Made in Europe”
Although the regulation avoids the phrase directly, the IAA introduces mechanisms that favour European production in public procurement and certain aid schemes. Some partner countries may still qualify under trade agreements, but the overall direction points toward a stronger European preference.
Key Measures
- Public procurement criteria linked to resilience and sustainability
- Support for low‑carbon technologies to stimulate demand
- Stricter oversight of foreign investment in strategic sectors
- Simplified procedures including single access points and unified application files
- Industrial acceleration zones to cluster major projects
Opportunities for SMEs
French SMEs — especially in regions like Hauts‑de‑France — could benefit from:
- more localised supply chains
- increased demand for clean industrial products
- faster approval processes for new projects
This is particularly relevant for cross‑Channel suppliers operating between Calais, Dunkerque and Kent.
CCI Network Response
France’s Chambers of Commerce broadly support the proposal but warn against diluting “Made in Europe” into a looser concept that includes countries with lower labour or environmental standards. They argue that the regulation must genuinely strengthen European industry to deliver its intended benefits.
What Happens Next
The IAA will now be examined by the European Parliament and the Council. Key elements — especially those relating to product origin and European preference — are expected to be debated heavily before final adoption.
Les Frontières will continue monitoring developments, particularly where they affect the Dover–Calais corridor and the wider Franco‑British industrial landscape.
