The European Commission’s newly published Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) could help speed up industrial decarbonisation while strengthening Europe’s resilience and competitiveness, particularly in strategic sectors. 

 

But industry leaders warn that key gaps remain — especially in measures designed to stimulate demand for low-carbon products.

 

The proposal is intended to support cleaner industrial production, unlock investment and reinforce supply chains across Europe. However, stakeholders say provisions on public procurement remain limited for the chemical sector, raising concerns that the demand side of the transition is not yet fully addressed.

 

As negotiations on the legislation move forward, industry representatives say it will be critical to ensure chemicals are fully included throughout the Act, building on work already underway through the Critical Chemicals Alliance.

 

Sylvie Lemoine, Cefic’s Deputy Director General, welcomed the initiative but stressed that implementation and scope will be decisive for the sector.

 

“We welcome the leadership of the European Commission, and in particular Executive Vice President Stéphane Séjourné in delivering the IAA. The inclusion of chemicals in several key provisions recognises the strategic role of the chemical industry as the ‘industry of industries’. 

 

"It responds to the sector’s call for concrete actions that strengthen the business case for producing in Europe, by providing a framework to accelerate and streamline permitting, mobilise markets in specific areas, unlock investment and deliver supply chain resilience alongside climate ambition. The focus must now shift to the effective delivery of the proposal, with chemicals fully in scope, building on the work of the Critical Chemicals Alliance, so that industry can fully benefit from the Act’s objectives.”

 

Industry groups say ensuring the chemicals sector remains fully integrated into the legislation will be crucial if the IAA is to deliver on its promise of accelerating Europe’s industrial transition while maintaining global competitiveness.