Dear Reader,
Welcome to Publyon’s last Sustainability Newsletter of 2024! As we gear up for the festive season and the year-end, join us in the warmth of holiday cheer as we explore what 2025 has in store for organisations operating in Europe (spoiler: the Clean Industrial Deal), and specifically what the future will look like for all green legislative files.
We have several insights (or gifts, if you already feel the holiday spirit!) to share with you throughout this Newsletter’s edition, so grab a cup of hot cocoa, put yourself in front of your fireplace (if you have one), and let’s dive in!
In the meantime, we wish you a magical and insightful holiday season, we thank you for staying with us during the exciting year that 2024 has been, and we look forward to welcoming 2025 with you!
Europe’s bold plan for sustainable growth, the “Clean Industrial Deal”, represents a major shift for EU businesses, especially in energy-intensive sectors. Don’t miss your chance to engage with the Commission to shape this deal and influence the policy direction for the next five years.
The spotlight
What to expect in 2025: the Clean Industrial Deal and opportunities for businesses
As the College of Commissioners officially starts its mandate today, the clock officially starts for the European Commission to deliver in its first 100 days on a series of promises laid down by its president Ursula von der Leyen already in July 2024. Among these, is the Clean Industrial Deal (CID), Europe’s new flagship strategy to decarbonise the EU economy while maintaining competitiveness.
The Clean Industrial Deal will have a major impact on EU businesses, especially in energy-intensive sectors. The CID will introduce several key changes designed to reshape the European industrial landscape and support businesses in their transition toward competitiveness. It is expected to be launched as a strategy in early 2025, accompanied by concrete legislative initiatives in the years to follow.
Among these measures and concrete legislative steps, the CID is expected to streamline regulatory processes and foster a market for clean technologies. It will outline measures for simplifying planning, permitting, and tendering, backed by substantial investments in renewable energy, hydrogen networks, CO₂ transport infrastructure, and digitalized energy systems.
Moreover, the CID is set to propel heavy industries, including steel, chemical, and fertilizer sectors, to transform sustainably while safeguarding against carbon leakage. It will expand and modernize the electricity grid, standardizing energy prices across EU Member States. It will revamp procurement rules to prioritize ‘Made in Europe’ technologies, boosting local innovation.
Finally, it is set to forge new trade partnerships that will reshape supply chains and trading practices.
The CID will drive sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness across Europe, opening doors for organisations like yours to lead the way. While businesses may want to wait for the publication of the Clean Industrial Deal to decide on the best course of action to take, the biggest opportunities to engage with EU policymakers and shape regulations to protect and advance your interests are right now.
Are you interested? Visit our dedicated webpage to understand how Publyon can support you in making your industry’s voice heard and shaping a regulatory landscape that’s designed for your success.
Policy update
Three key reforms to expect in the new European Commission mandate
The new European Commission sets new standards and boosts investments in clean technologies, while steering the industry towards sustainable practices, increased competition, and strategic autonomy.
1) Transition to a Circular Economy
The European Commission’s current mandate brings a transformative agenda for sustainability, signaling key reforms that will reshape the business landscape across sectors. The Circular Economy Act stands as a cornerstone of this effort, aiming to reduce dependencies on virgin materials, enhance waste management systems, and establish a harmonized Single Market for Waste and secondary raw materials. These measures are designed to foster innovation while addressing critical resource efficiency challenges.
Additionally, a comprehensive water resilience strategy will address growing concerns around water scarcity and climate adaptation, ensuring businesses are better equipped to operate in a resource-constrained future.
For the chemical industry, the long-awaited 2025 revision of the REACH framework promises to modernize EU chemical legislation, with a particular emphasis on phasing out PFAS—often referred to as “forever chemicals”—in consumer products. These reforms underline the EU’s commitment to a greener, safer economy, challenging businesses to adapt while unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation.
2) Completing the Single Market
In the first 200 days of the European Commission’s mandate, a Single Market Strategy is set to take center stage, aiming to streamline regulations, eliminate red tape, and create a truly cohesive European economic space. This strategy is poised to bolster key socio-economic sectors such as steel, aluminum, automotive, clean tech, biotech, and digital, ensuring that Europe’s industrial base remains competitive and future-ready. By fostering harmonization across the Single Market, the initiative will enable businesses to navigate a more predictable regulatory environment while unlocking growth opportunities.
Additionally, the Commission is placing a strong emphasis on strategic autonomy, aiming to reduce Europe’s dependence on non-EU suppliers and strengthen critical supply chains. This approach seeks to enhance resilience in key sectors, safeguarding Europe’s ability to innovate and adapt in an increasingly volatile global landscape. These reforms underscore the EU’s ambition to balance economic integration with strategic self-reliance, positioning Europe as a leader in sustainable, high-tech, and secure industries.
3) Europe in Transition
The Social Climate Fund represents a key pillar in the European Commission’s effort to ensure an inclusive and equitable transition to a sustainable economy. This fund will provide critical support to vulnerable households and micro-enterprises most affected by rising energy costs and carbon pricing. Beyond direct assistance, it will also focus on the workforce in carbon-intensive sectors, offering reskilling and upskilling opportunities to help workers adapt to the demands of a greener economy. This dual approach aims to mitigate social inequalities while fostering economic resilience.
Complementing this initiative, the European Competitiveness Fund will provide businesses with the financial backing and strategic tools needed to embrace the twin green and digital transitions. By supporting innovation, enhancing market competitiveness, and accelerating the adoption of sustainable technologies, this fund is designed to empower companies to thrive in a rapidly evolving regulatory and economic landscape. Together, these initiatives reflect the EU’s commitment to balancing environmental objectives with socio-economic inclusivity and industrial growth.
Blog
The EU's green dilemma: Can Jessika Roswall balance competitiveness and sustainability?
As the new European Commission takes office on 1 December 2024, all eyes are on Jessica Roswall, poised to take the helm of the Environmental portfolio. With a reputation for bold vision and decisive leadership, Roswall’s appointment promises to shape the EU’s environmental and sustainability agenda for years to come.
READ ARTICLE
Eliza Druta
Hi, my name is Eliza and I am curating this newsletter to bring Brussels’ main sustainability insights to your inbox, every month. Do not hesitate to reach out should you need more information on the newsletter’s content or if you have suggestions for our next editions.
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