European Solar Industry Leaders Call on EU leaders to Deliver Action Plan for Solar Manufacturing

The NZIA targets at least 30 GW of EU-manufactured solar PV by 2030  yet this goal cannot be achieved without urgent political and financial support. "The EU must act now to preserve its solar sovereignty.

The ESIA"s 30 GW ambition is not materialising  and time is running out.

Manufacturers cannot wait until the next financial framework to see action, stressed Christoph Podewils, Secretary General of ESMC. Industry Recommendations to EU Leaders The letter outlines five key measures that EU leaders should commit to at the Ministerial meeting and ESIA Forum:

1. A European PV Industry 2030 Action Plan  A political roadmap to rebuild and expand solar manufacturing capacities along the full value chain.
2. Revision of EU Public Procurement Legislation  To reward resilience, cybersecurity, and EU content, ensuring "Made in Europe" solar is included in public procurement.
3. A New Cleantech Manufacturing Fund  Under the next Multiannual Financial Framework, with a dedicated facility for solar covering both CAPEX and OPEX support.
4. Expansion of Temporary OPEX Support  Extending the Clean Industrial State Aid Framework Chapter 6 to all solar value chain segments to prevent further factory closures and retain skilled workers.
5. Increased Role for the European Investment Bank (EIB)  Including low- or zero-interest loans, counter-guarantees, and "Made in Europe" criteria for supported projects.

Without a bold and immediate commitment, Europe risks losing its capacity to produce solar PV technologies domestically  undermining both its climate neutrality goals and its strategic sovereignty. SThis is a make-or-break moment.

The EU must show it is ready to preserve and rebuild Europe"s solar industry  before it is too late, the letter concludes.