EESC calls for additional measures to boost EU capacities in advanced materials

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an opinion on the European Commission’s Communication on Advanced Materials, urging a comprehensive strategy to boost the EU’s capacities in this critical sector. The EESC criticises the lack of funding, quantifiable targets, and sustainability indicators.

‘Advanced materials are important for industry and for economic growth and sustainability in the EU. We call for the establishment of sustainability indicators in all production processes. We must also secure the right skills and qualified labour necessary to develop these materials,’ said Anastasis Yiapanis, rapporteur for the opinion.

The Committee warns that the current Commission plan lacks the necessary ambition and specific targets to secure the bloc’s industrial leadership. A comprehensive overhaul is needed to foster a thriving ecosystem for innovation in advanced materials. Failure to act decisively, the EESC cautions, could have serious implications for the EU’s economic competitiveness and its ability to achieve its green and digital goals.

Co-rapporteur Gerardo Luis Arroyo Herranz added, ‘The Commission’s Communication cannot be seen as a strategy per se, as it lacks quantifiable targets, deadlines, and specific key performance indicators.’ The opinion emphasises the urgent need for a bold and strategic approach in order to position the EU as a global leader in advanced materials. The EESC also proposes including healthcare as an additional initial strategic area, as it represents one of Europe’s largest industries, with high emissions intensity and with healthcare-related advanced materials often intersecting with sectors such as electronics and energy.

Research, development, and skills

A central pillar of the EESC’s recommendations is the urgent need to transition towards a circular economy, reducing reliance on raw materials. To achieve this, the Committee calls for enhanced cooperation between industry, academia, and policy-makers, coupled with substantial investment in research and development and across the entire value chain.

The Committee also highlights the need for skills development and effective career guidance to attract talent to STEM careers. Mr Arroyo Herranz said, ‘Without adequately skilled people, any action that is implemented may be doomed to fail. For this reason, the EU must seriously implement up-skilling and re-skilling programmes for the current workforce, along with vocational education and training initiatives.’

Funding and strategic autonomy

The proposed EUR 250 million allocation for advanced materials under Horizon Europe is deemed insufficient by the EESC, which has called for more substantial funding and targeted support for SMEs. In particular, the Committee emphasises the need for tax-based incentives to stimulate investment and innovation, coupled with simplified bureaucratic processes, in order to foster innovation and collaboration.

Securing a stable supply of critical raw materials is another significant concern. The EESC advocates strengthening the EU’s domestic capacity through industrial policy measures and diversifying sources of critical raw materials. While recognising the importance of international collaboration, the EESC insists on a more proactive EU stance, including deeper partnerships with key players such as South Korea and the United States. Establishing long-term contracts with smaller countries is also recommended to mitigate potential supply disruptions.