Laws to Reconcile Industry and Energy

The European Clean Industrial Deal and the Spanish Industry Act will address how to complement ecological transition with industrial competitiveness.

Last Friday, we noted—quite optimistically—that we are living through times of change in how energy management is handled in the industrial sector. Reality is persistent, and, as it could not be otherwise, institutions are beginning to realize that integrating the goals of industry and energy is an essential and unavoidable step.

For this reason, the convergence of two new regulations at both European and national levels—the European Clean Industrial Deal and the Spanish Industry Act—brings encouraging news. It signals that this process is underway and goes beyond mere words or good intentions.

From the Coal and Steel Union to the Clean Industrial Deal

At the European level, the Clean Industrial Deal aspires to reconcile two essential priorities: sustainability and industrial competitiveness. This balance has always been championed as key to the sector’s development by the Foro Industria y Energía. The deal’s very name reflects this duality while establishing a framework to promote the decarbonization of European industries and laying the groundwork for a coherent industrial strategy aimed at restoring the bloc’s competitiveness over the next five years.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen committed to driving this comprehensive policy package within the first 100 days of her term. Since the new Commission took office on December 1, this pledge has been under active development.

Responsibility for the Clean Industrial Deal falls under the Commissioner for Industry, in collaboration with the Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Fair, and Competitive Transition and the Net Zero Commissioner. The countdown has begun, and it is no coincidence that their first actions are focused on the steel industry. In an interview with the Financial Times, Séjourné highlighted steel as “a very important support” for green technologies. The image of the two vice-presidents visiting the ArcelorMittal plant in Ghent evokes the origins of the EU itself, rooted in the European Coal and Steel Community. It also harkens back to the High Authority’s visit to the Belval factory in 1953.

As the Commissioner reminds us, steel production remains strategic—there are no wind turbines or cars without steel. The clock is ticking, and only 95 days remain to see the contents of this Clean Industrial Deal.

The “Hereu Law”: “Industry is Back”

Closer to home, the Spanish Industry Act—referred to here as the “Hereu Law”—is also in the spotlight. The Ministry has described the Act as an effort to “comprehensively reform the current Industry Act, which dates back to 1992, prior to the digitalization era and the main sustainability and circular economy trends.” In short, this regulation openly acknowledges the need for change and aims to solidify the Ministry’s commitment to addressing energy management as a factor of competitiveness.

This perspective was underlined by Minister Hereu during his speech at Foro Sella, where he shared a phrase we hope will become a reality: “Industry is back.” He also emphasized the Law’s cross-sectoral value.

The legislation is now in its final stages: the presentation of the draft bill to the Council of Ministers and its subsequent vote in Parliament. Perhaps coinciding with Hereu’s declaration about the industry’s return, this Act also offers a critical opportunity for the two involved ministries—Industry and Environment—to coordinate and speak with one voice.

The Act represents a chance to reinforce cooperation between the two portfolios, working together with a unified approach that integrates sustainability and industrial competitiveness. With the arrival of the new Minister, Sara Aagesen, a new phase begins. This shift could pave the way for closer collaboration between her Ministry and the Ministry of Industry, recognizing the importance of energy transition for the industrial sector.