Ensuring affordable and stable energy for the European energy-intensive industries using the example of the chemical sector

Practical information

• Composition of the Study Group

• Administrator / Assistant in charge: Albert PRECUP / Virginie ANDRÉ

• TEN section meeting: 24 June 2026

• EESC plenary session:  15-16 July 2026

• Contact

Background

Mario Draghi’s report on The Future of European Competitiveness highlighted the urgent need to address Europe’s industrial competitiveness, especially for energy-intensive sectors like the chemical sector. On 20 February 2024, 73 business leaders across 17 sectors signed the Antwerp Declaration, calling for a European Industrial Deal to complement the Green Deal and keep high-quality jobs for European workers in Europe. 

Energy-intensive industries are central to Europe’s industrial base, employment and strategic autonomy. The chemical sector is a prime example: it underpins key value chains (pharmaceuticals, automotive, construction, agriculture) and relies heavily on electricity and natural gas both as energy sources and as feedstocks. Chemicals are used across many sectors such as the agriculture, manufacturing, defence, food, and construction sectors.

With this own-initiative opinion, the EESC will put forward key recommendations and will call on the European institutions to address with targeted and effective measures the issue of affordable and stable energy for the European energy-intensive industries.