Written by Joost Dijkshoorn
The most common questions we’re asked by clients about the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act (IDAA) are things like:
“Why is the Commission introducing yet another proposal on permitting – can it really help my industry avoid collapse?”
My chemical plant is at risk of shutting down. Is the EU doing enough – fast enough – to protect EU industries?”
Let’s dive straight into some answers.
“Brussels wants to make European heavy industry more competitive while putting it on a climate‑friendly fast track. Here’s what that means for your balance sheet – and why 9 July is an unmissable deadline”.
Joost Dijkshoorn – Senior Consultant, Energy & Transport team, Publyon EU
Hi! I’m Joost, Senior Consultant at Publyon. Ever since I stepped into Brussels years ago, I’ve been deeply involved with EU policy. First in the European Parliament, now guiding companies through the EU institutions at Publyon. So, I’ve navigated the rhythms of Brussels politics and felt firsthand the urgency businesses face trying to stay ahead of policy waves.
The following isn’t the full story on the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act – let’s call it a first glimpse, designed to help you grasp essential insights, take timely action, and unlock opportunities ahead. Kudos to my colleagues Nicolas, Scott and Daniela for helping out telling this story.
Now, let’s start with the basics.
First things first: what is the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act and why is it important for your business?
The Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act, scheduled for publication in Q4 2025 under the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal, is a binding legislative initiative aiming to accelerate decarbonisation of European industry while being able to compete with competitors in other parts of the world. Here’s why it matters to you:
Faster permitting
If your business involves clean energy (electricity, hydrogen, or CCUS infrastructure), expect streamlined permitting procedures, easier funding access, and reduced regulatory hurdles.
Priority clean-tech projects and clusters.
High-risk, high-cost clean-tech projects will get special public backing to accelerate their deployment.
EU lead markets for low-carbon products
Brussels aims to use public (and some private) procurement to stimulate the production of low-carbon goods, like green steel and sustainable cement, boosting market demand and business opportunities. Also, a voluntary EU label to highlight low-carbon industrial products is expected to be part of the proposal.
Impacts on downstream sectors
Expect new revenue streams from increased demand for sustainable products – but also potential cost pressures. Engage early with policymakers to shape practical regulations that align with your business case.
Why the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act matters now and who it affects?
If you’re in energy-intensive industry (EII) – chemicals, steel, pulp and paper, cement, metals, or glass – you already know what’s at stake. European industry is vital to the EU economy, employing 7.8 million people and generating €549 billion in added value.
At the same time, EIIs cover nearly 20% of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, while facing mounting regulatory pressure, bureaucratic permitting procedures, skyrocketing energy prices, and intense global competition from the US and China.
Recent closures like LyondellBasell’s Rotterdam site and Tronox’s chemical plant highlight how global market dynamics combined with stringent regulatory standards hit Europe’s competitiveness. Even downstream giants like Volkswagen feel the pinch, having announced multiple factory closures in Germany due to rising costs.
The Commission aims to address these issues in the IDAA for the following sectors:
- Upstream industries: chemicals, steel, pulp and paper, refineries, cement, non-ferrous metals, glass, and ceramics
- Downstream industries: automotive, construction, net-zero technologies, engineering products, defence, and aviation
Why you should act now?
Here is what we recommend. The Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act is set to be published in Q4 2025, but the Commission is now looking for input from key industries like yours to shape the draft. The IDAA won’t stay in the consultation phase very long. You have until 9 July 2025 to share your feedback.
Your three‑step action plan:
- File your consultation response by 9 July 2025. Need a sharp submission? That’s our bread‑and‑butter.
- Map your leverage points. Think cabinet advisers, rapporteur hopefuls or national attachés: we get you in touch.
- Pressure‑test your story. Policymakers love concrete megawatts, euros and jobs. Bring in the numbers!
And who’s behind the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act?
Knowing the relevant policymakers is crucial:
- Stéphane Séjourné, Executive VP for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy (DG GROW), leads the drafting process. Key adviser: Aleksandra Kordecka.
- Who gets support from Teresa Ribera, Executive VP for Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition, and
- Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero, and Clean Growth.
Mapping these (and other) decision-makers – and knowing when and how to approach them – can significantly influence whether future policies align with your operational realities. This strategic groundwork is exactly where we at Publyon can help you.
Let’s talk about the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act
Congrats!
This post only scratches the surface of the IDAA. If you made it to the last section of this (long!) article, congrats to you. It means you found it useful, which makes us very happy.
If you want to better understand what our Public Affairs services are all about, you can find more information on our Public Affairs web page.
If you’re wondering how to turn the coming rules into a competitive edge – or at least avoid an unpleasant surprise – let’s connect. Drop me a message via my LinkedIn profile Joost Dijkshoorn or get in touch by e-mail j.dijkshoorn@publyon.com.
Feel free to share your questions or feedback with us, we’ll be very willing to hear from you!
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