New EU subsidies: Fight for clean industry or environmental protection illusion?

New EU subsidies: Fight for clean industry or environmental protection illusion?

Brüssel, Belgien - On June 27, 2025, the European Commission adopted a new aid framework as part of the Clean Industrial Deal (CISAF). This step aims to direct public support for ecological and industrial change in Europe. The focus is on the expansion of renewable energies and the promotion of clean technologies. The frame replaces the temporary framework that has existed for 2022 for coping with crisis and designing change (TCTF).

The new aid regulations contain strict requirements that affect renewable hydrogen, energy efficiency and low -emission production technologies. The use of hydrogen, which is obtained from wind and solar energy, is to be supported. In addition, public funds must be used in such a way that at least 50 % flow into the green change. Projects receive priority that improve material efficiency. Cleanetech manufacturers are obliged to use low-emission production technologies to minimize negative environmental impacts.

critical points and challenges

Despite these progress, experts express concerns about the new guidelines. For example, ÖMAREWS is not sufficiently internalized and that it is possible to provide environmental users. In addition, the frame is considered not stringent enough to ensure the EU climate goals, since investments in fossil gas are still permitted.

Another critical point is that technologies such as nuclear energy and CO2 separation and storage (CCS) are eligible, while the requirements for CCS do not ensure that they are only used as the last option. The price reduction measures would apply regardless of the energy source, which raises concerns about the distortion of competition. Social and circular economy goals are non -binding and difficult to enforce.

goals and market strategies

The EU pursues the overarching goal of supporting the change towards a decarbonized industry. EUR-LEIL emphasizes that the European industry should not only be decarbonized, but should also be re-industrialized and innovated to strengthen the resilience of the continent. The EU's economy is to be fully decarbonized by 2050, while a reduction in net floating house gas emissions is sought by 90 % by 2040.

This requires significant annual investments of 480 billion euros in energy and industrial innovation. The development of key markets for clean technologies and products is promoted to strengthen competitiveness. A central initiative is the expansion of renewable energies and the creation of manufacturing facilities in the EU for clean technologies.

The Commission has already initiated steps to mobilize private capital and to simplify and accelerate the funding opportunities. A “quick procedure” for the expansion of clean energy is intended to support the implementation of the measures. In addition, international partnerships are used to achieve the goals of clean industrialization.

The new regulations of the aid frame should be valid by December 31, 2030 and include clear requirements for reducing the risks when investing in clean energy projects. Member States are also enabled to exclude grants for electricity costs to energy -intensive consumers who invest in decarbonization. The EU thus pursues an integrative approach in order to cope with the challenges in the industrial area and create an environmentally friendly future.