On 25 February, the European Commission is set to propose the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) — a new “industry acceleration” initiative. It is the latest EU move, alongside deregulation “omnibus” packages, state-aid frameworks aligned with the Clean Industrial Deal, and proposals included in the draft of the next multiannual budget, that places reindustrialisation at the centre of policy. These measures are seen as essential to strengthening Europe’s competitiveness against the world’s leading economic powers.
“The main priority for European institutions this year — and likely next year as well — is the EU’s multiannual budget. It is different from national budgets because it does not run a deficit. We can only spend as much as the Member States agree to raise. That’s why it is so important for this budget to be focused on what matters most right now,” Witold Naturski, Director of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Poland, told Newseria.
In July 2025, the European Commission presented a draft long-term budget for 2028–2034. The package is expected to amount to nearly €2 trillion, aimed at strengthening sovereignty, boosting competitiveness, and increasing Europe’s resilience. Under the Commission’s proposal, €409 billion would go to the European Competitiveness Fund. This total would also include the €175 billion Horizon Europe programme, intended to finance world-class innovation.
One of the key tools to reinforce Europe’s competitiveness is the Clean Industrial Deal. Under this concept, decarbonisation is meant to become a driver of production in Europe. The Commission argues that this can be achieved through, among other factors, lower energy prices, new jobs, and the right conditions for EU companies to grow. Access to critical raw materials is also crucial, as is adopting a Circular Economy Act, which is expected to be adopted in 2026.
“The European Commission is planning new initiatives to safeguard the interests of European industry,” said Dr Katarzyna Smyk, Head of the European Commission Representation in Poland. “This is also linked to the concept of supporting so-called local content — ensuring that European companies have preferences in access, for example, to public procurement. This is still an open topic and requires time and discussion, but the European Commission is determined.”
On 25 February, the Commission is expected to unveil the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), a key element of the Clean Industrial Deal. The IAA would support European companies through four pillars. The first is “made in Europe” — a requirement that part of what is purchased through public procurement or subsidised via support schemes must be produced within the EU. The second pillar is conditionality for foreign investment, with criteria expected to include technology transfer, local employment, and conducting research within the Union. The third pillar focuses on accelerating permitting for corporate investment projects — not only shortening deadlines for national administrations, but also requiring the full digitalisation of the process. The final pillar would require Member States to designate specific “acceleration areas” that can deliver measurable benefits to industry, for example by improving access to critical raw materials.
“Reindustrialisation of the European Union has been on everyone’s lips — including politicians and Members of the European Parliament — for several years,” Naturski said. “It is clearly needed; no one needs convincing about how difficult the times are when it comes to industry and the raw materials required for production. The European Parliament, as a majority, recognises these problems. MEPs want certain policy directions set five, ten, or fifteen years ago — on the environment and industry — to be adapted to today’s realities. They express this clearly, and the Commission and the Council take these voices into account.”
“The problem is that the European Union has much higher energy prices than other economic powers,” Dr Smyk added. “This stems from many factors — including the fact that we have to import raw materials and do not have sufficient domestic resources — but also because we are undergoing an energy and climate transition. So we talk about it a lot and we are trying to act to bring prices down both in the long and the short term. Industry needs this. Geostrategic pressure and Europe’s relations with economic partners pose serious challenges. We have to do our homework, shift up a gear, and debate how to improve competitiveness in Europe, accelerate economic growth, and protect citizens’ prosperity.”
To improve competitiveness, EU institutions have also been working for more than a year on simplifying regulations. In a statement on 13 February 2026, EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stressed that the ongoing simplification programme is unprecedented. Ten omnibus proposals have already been adopted, expected to deliver at least €15 billion in annual savings.
“Competitiveness can always be improved through better legislation,” Naturski explained. “That means simplifying rules and eliminating regulations that are outdated or have not worked. It also means cutting so-called red tape. The Commission tries to identify areas where legislation makes it harder for European entrepreneurs to do business, and the European Parliament, as co-legislator, modifies these rules — introducing new, simpler ones in place of older provisions that are no longer fit for purpose.”
The omnibus packages under preparation cover, among other areas, sustainability, investment simplification, the Common Agricultural Policy, chemicals, digital technologies, environmental protection, the automotive industry, and food regulation.
“Without competitiveness, the European Union — even as a whole — will not improve its position in the world,” Naturski argued. “But competitiveness cannot come at the expense of labour rights or the way we treat those who build the economy. We are not a country or a community of countries where profit is everything at any cost. The main point is that Europeans should live well — and increasingly better.”
EU initiatives focused on reindustrialisation were discussed during the debate “Poland 2026. The Horizon of Change,” organised by the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Newseria news agency.
