The Clean Industrial Deal: Europe"s response to China and the US in the green race

During the press briefing in Spanish for journalists, titled "Clean Industrial Deal and Omnibus" Package: Will Europe Stay on the Path to Decarbonisation and What Can Spain Expect?", experts discussed the European Commission"s strategy to strengthen industrial competitiveness without compromising decarbonisation.

This plan, known as the Clean Industrial Deal, will be presented alongside the Omnibus package, which aims to simplify regulations and expedite the implementation of key measures for the energy transition.

Gonzalo Sáenz de Miera, Director of Climate Change and Alliances at Iberdrola and President of the Spanish Green Growth Group, highlighted: "We believe the industry of the future will be a decarbonised industry, and if this is good for Europe, it is especially good for Spain."

According to experts at the briefing, the plan seeks to bolster Europe"s position against growing global competition, particularly from China and the United States, by offering incentives and more efficient regulations.

Speakers at the GSCC event emphasised that the Clean Industrial Deal presents a unique opportunity for Spain, which holds key competitive advantages such as abundant renewable resources, a strong industrial base, and available land.

"Europe must accelerate because everything is moving at an incredible pace.

It"s a matter of competitiveness, renewables, electrification, and energy efficiency," said Sáenz de Miera.

Spain has already achieved 50% renewable energy in its electricity mix, making it the first major European economy to reach this milestone.

Furthermore, the plan is expected to generate more than 2.5 million green jobs and attract 150 billion in investments over the coming years.

"If clean energy targets are met by 2030, Spain could become the epicentre of Europe's green reindustrialisation," said Bianca Dragomir, Director of Cleantech for Iberia.

One of the critical issues raised at the briefing was Europe"s slow pace compared to its global competitors.

China, for example, has built more clean technology factories in the past six months than Europe has in the past six years.

"Speed is key.

We need simplification, faster-permitting processes, and policies that incentivise private investment.

Europe cannot afford to fall behind," Dragomir warned.

Experts agreed that success depends on clear and predictable policies that build investor confidence and accelerate the shift to a low-carbon economy.

Another major discussion point at the event was financing.

The energy transition is expected to require 620 billion per year until 2030, with 80% of that funding coming from the private sector.

"Public funding has a multiplier effect on private capital.

The European Union must provide risk-mitigation mechanisms to attract investments," explained Dragomir.

The Clean Industrial Deal aims to shift from a model based on direct subsidies to one that focuses on guarantees and blended investment mechanisms, combining public and private funds.

Additionally, some EU countries have suggested the possibility of issuing joint public debt to finance strategic projects, a measure already under discussion for the defence sector.

A key objective of the Omnibus package is reducing bureaucracy to facilitate the rollout of sustainable industrial projects.

However, this aspect has sparked debate among the briefing"s participants.

"Simplification is necessary, but it must not lead to reduced climate ambition.

Maintaining investor confidence and ensuring favourable conditions for businesses is critical," said Dragomir.

A survey of European cleantech startups found that 77% see fragmented regulations and bureaucracy as their main barriers to growth.

The new strategy seeks to accelerate project implementation by cutting red tape without weakening environmental standards.

Beyond its economic impact, the Clean Industrial Deal sends a strong international signal: Europe is doubling down on decarbonisation as a pillar of its global competitiveness.

"The European Union is ready to send a strong signal to the world that decarbonisation remains its strategy for the future," stated Pepe Escrig, Senior Researcher in Political Economy and Governance at the think tank E3G.

With the United States adopting protectionist policies and China leading in clean technology manufacturing, Europe aims to position itself as a reliable partner for third countries and a leader in the global energy transition.

"This agreement is not just about the environment; it is also a strategy for energy autonomy.

Europe cannot continue relying on imported fossil fuels," stressed Sáenz de Miera.

The Clean Industrial Deal was thoroughly analysed during the GSCC-organised briefing, where experts agreed that the strategy reinforces Europe"s commitment to an industrial model based on clean energy, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy.

"It is the European Union"s passport to industrial competitiveness based on clean technologies.

It marks a before and after," concluded Dragomir.

As the details of the proposal unfold, the coming months will be crucial to assess its implementation and real impact on the European economy.