The European Union in 2025 is faced with multiple challenges regarding its political and economic place in the world. In response, the EU is implementing a Clean Industrial Deal based on the further pursuit of the EU’s climate neutrality goal. EU institutions seem aligned on the need to speed up industrial decarbonisation as a means of modernising the EU economy while strengthening manufacturing in Europe. Access to clean and affordable energy for businesses and citizens alike is another key enabling condition for this transition, which would also enhance resilience by reducing dependence on foreign powers. A proactive agenda is emerging – but is it sufficient to deliver on the EU’s objectives?

Strengthening EU competitiveness through a well-managed transition  

The European Climate Neutrality Observatory (ECNO) – a partnership of leading research institutes - has developed a data-driven analytical framework to track the real-world changes that underpin the transition to a clean, fair and competitive Europe. This year’s EU-wide assessment of progress has been expanded to specifically consider competitiveness, resilience and the social impacts. It also for the first time captures systematically EU policies in place and proposed to identify where targeted additional interventions are needed by policy-makers to enable the transition. Smart decisions need solid and specific information.

Data-driven insights for a successful Clean Industrial Deal  

On 3 September 2025, we will present our latest findings and discuss the ensuing recommendations with high-profile EU policy stakeholders, including members of the European Parliament, the European Commission and the business community.  

To join the discussion, please register!