Industrial Accelerator Act

EGGA – Galvanizing Europe supports the objectives of the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) to reinforce the EU’s industrial capacity, competitiveness and strategic autonomy, while accelerating industrial decarbonisation, in particular by stimulating industrial manufacturing and increasing demand for clean products of “Union-origin”.

Our interest in the IAA lies in its approach to steel used in construction and infrastructure, and to net-zero technologies, in particular solar technologies. However, in both areas, the expected outcomes are unlikely to be achieved without more targeted measures.

Add “Union-origin” alongside “low carbon” criterion for steel

The galvanizing industry depends on a strong and competitive EU steel product manufacturing and fabrication sector.

Unlike the provisions proposed for other energy-intensive products, the IAA proposal does not include a “Union-origin” requirement for steel alongside the low-carbon criterion in public procurement and support schemes. To protect industrial competitiveness and support the decarbonisation of the European steel industry, including the steel fabrication sector, the IAA must integrate the “Union-origin” alongside “low-carbon” requirement for steel.

Build EU Industrial Net-Zero Capacity

The IAA proposal also introduces some amendments to the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), a key policy framework for our industry — notably covering sectors such as solar, where galvanized steel components form essential structural and support elements.

EGGA calls for a more effective and timely approach ensuring Union-origin requirement for all solar PV main specific components with existing EU manufacturing capacity. This is essential to strengthen EU’s net-zero manufacturing capacity.

In conclusion, EU policymakers must ensure that the IAA fully reflects the key role of the steel value chain and its downstream industries in strengthening Europe’s industrial base and strategic autonomy while delivering on its climate objectives.