The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) has expressed optimism after the recent hearings for Commissioners-designate in the European Parliament.
These discussions have highlighted reshoring industrial capacities, including solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing, as part of a broader strategy to enhance Europe’s clean technology industries and reduce dependency on external markets.
ESMC welcomed the focus on solar PV manufacturing as a key element of Europe’s industrial strategy. Members of the European Parliament highlighted the urgency of addressing production challenges, especially in light of overcapacity in China.
ESMC expects these commitments to translate into concrete measures under the forthcoming Clean Industrial Deal, new State Aid framework, and other policies during the next European Commission mandate.
Žygimantas Vaičiūnas, ESMC Policy Director, praised the Commissioners-designate for their cohesive approach to reshoring clean technology manufacturing. He stressed the importance of integrating trade, competition, and industrial policies to ensure a Level Playing Field, noting the immediate need for actions to address the survival challenges faced by European industries.
The first 100 days of the new Commission will be pivotal in shaping the Clean Industrial Deal. ESMC has urged specific measures, including securing demand for European-made PV equipment and providing operational cost support, to counter challenges from China’s oversupply of solar products.
Key insights from the hearings include Teresa Ribera Rodríguez’s call to align Europe’s clean energy transition with economic competitiveness, advocating for public financing and accelerated cleantech manufacturing. Stéphane Séjourné emphasised reducing reliance on China, supporting EU industries via procurement policies, and fostering innovation.
Wopke Hoekstra highlighted the importance of industrial decarbonisation and fair competition, while Maroš Šefčovič underscored the need for trade defence measures to protect European solar manufacturing.
The EU aims to create a fair competitive environment and avoid trade conflicts while advancing impactful policies to strengthen its solar PV and clean technology sectors.
