On 26 February, the European Commission unveiled its Clean Industrial Deal, a key initiative aimed at accelerating the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries while enhancing their competitiveness. Launched alongside an Action Plan for Affordable Energy and a simplification omnibus package, the initiative seeks to address fundamental challenges faced by European manufacturing sectors. However, industry leaders, particularly in the flat glass sector, have expressed concerns that the measures may not go far enough to mitigate the crisis they are facing.
High expectations, limited solutions?
The Clean Industrial Deal was introduced within the first 100 days of the new Commission’s mandate, delivering on a promise to support the transition to clean manufacturing. It outlines six business drivers: affordable energy, lead markets, financing, circularity & access to materials, global markets & international partnerships, and skills. The accompanying Action Plan for Affordable Energy also aims to alleviate the burden of high energy prices on industries.
Glass for Europe
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At the European Industry Summit 2025, which brought together 400 business leaders, industry representatives, and policymakers, the Chair of Glass for Europe, Davide Cappellino, delivered a stark warning. Speaking at a high-level roundtable discussion with Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, Cappellino highlighted the reality that decarbonisation technologies are significantly more expensive than current manufacturing processes. Without more concrete financial support, he warned, the flat glass industry will struggle to meet sustainability targets while remaining competitive.
Industry’s call for more targeted action
The Clean Industrial Deal includes plans to mobilise €100 billion to support clean manufacturing in the EU. While this is seen as a positive step, Glass for Europe argues that it lacks urgent, targeted measures that could provide immediate relief to energy-intensive industries. Bertrand Cazes, Secretary General of Glass for Europe, stressed the severity of the situation, stating:
“Without a significant ramp-up of actions to reduce energy costs in the short term and reforms to provide effective and lasting protection against carbon leakage – be it through ETS mechanisms or the CBAM – we risk the déjà-vu scenario of a communication not triggering the desired impact, while industry continues to suffer irreversible damage.”
The future of flat glass in Europe
For the flat glass industry, the stakes are particularly high. As a sector critical to sustainable construction and energy efficiency, it requires not only regulatory support but also financial mechanisms that make clean manufacturing economically viable. Industry representatives are now urging policymakers to take more decisive action to ensure that businesses can transition effectively without risking long-term viability.
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“Now is the time for policymakers to step up,” Cazes concluded. “Glass for Europe stands ready to provide actionable recommendations. The European Union needs a competitive industry if industry is to succeed in its decarbonisation journey.”
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the Clean Industrial Deal can be adjusted to meet these demands. Without additional, more immediate interventions, the European flat glass sector – and other energy-intensive industries – could continue to face significant challenges in maintaining global competitiveness while advancing sustainability goals.
Glass for Europe
