ECON members today adopted a draft opinion on the European Chemicals Industry Action Plan, calling for a strong partnership between the European Commission and local and regional authorities (LRAs) to deliver a place-based approach that strengthens Europe’s industrial resilience, competitiveness and sustainable transformation across all chemical regions.
The opinion, drafted by rapporteur Frederiek Vermeulen (BE/EPP), Member of the Ichtegem Municipal Council, stresses that the Action Plan’s impact will depend on timely implementation and on policy choices that reflect the EU’s diverse industrial realities — including different regional strengths and vulnerabilities and the division of competences within Member States. “Europe’s chemical industry is being squeezed by high energy prices and unfair international competition. We cannot stand by while the engine of our prosperity grinds to a halt. This is about strategic autonomy — and it demands action now.” highlighted the rapporteur.
Critical Chemicals Alliance: regions must be in the driver’s seat
The adopted text welcomes the creation of the Critical Chemicals Alliance, emphasising that it must become a strategic umbrella for cooperation and structured dialogue across governance levels — bringing together LRAs, Member States, industry, academia and other key stakeholders through a multi-level governance approach.
“Through the Critical Chemicals Alliance, regions must work hand in hand with the European Commission to secure affordable energy, cut administrative burdens and invest in STEM skills — ensuring Europe has the talent needed for the industries and jobs of the future,” the rapporteur added.
The opinion calls for cross-regional involvement at decision-making level within the Alliance and suggest that the Committee of the Regions should have an observer role. The opinion also welcomes recognition of the European Chemical Regions Network, and notes that the Alliance could serve as a model for other EU industrial strategies and alliances.
Faster delivery, smarter rules — no lowering of protection
The rapporteur invited the Commission, together with Member States and LRAs, to review existing reporting obligations from an outcome-based perspective — without undermining the protection of public health and the environment. He also underlined the need for swift, high-quality permitting, and encourage improvements agreed with LRAs that accelerate procedures while maintaining a high level of protection.
Energy Union, strategic autonomy and investment
The draft opinion underlines that a strong EU chemicals sector is essential for strategic autonomy and economic security, including food security, given chemicals’ role in fertilisers, agro-chemicals and key value chains. It calls on the Commission to accelerate work towards a genuine Energy Union, tackling fragmentation and unnecessary complexity and promoting the production of low-carbon energy.
To unlock investment and speed up sustainable industrial transformation, ECON members promote public–private financing in EU funding mechanisms to mobilise additional capital and de-risk projects, with clear governance and risk-sharing arrangements.
The draft opinion is scheduled for adoption in Plenary on 4–5 March 2026.