The European Commission unveils a new plan to support the European economy

During the meeting, the Commission presented three main policy packages:

• Clean Industrial Deal – a package of solutions for industry,
• Omnibus Directive – a package of simplifications in the field of ESG and CSRD,
• Affordable Energy Action Plan – a strategy for the energy sector aimed at reducing prices and making the sector more resilient.

Clean Industrial Deal – a plan for EU competitiveness and decarbonisation

The agreement sets out specific measures to transform decarbonisation into a driver of growth for European industry. It includes reducing energy prices, creating high-quality jobs and appropriate conditions for business development.

The Clean Industrial Deal presents resources aimed at stimulating every stage of production, with an emphasis on: energy-intensive industries, i.e. the steel, metallurgical and chemical industries, and the clean technology sector, which is essential for industrial transformation, circularity and decarbonisation.

The Clean Industrial Deal will be based on elements such as:

• Affordable energy,
• Increased demand for clean products,
• Financing the clean transition,
• Circularity and access to materials,
• Global action,
• Skills and high-quality jobs.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has committed to reaching an agreement on clean industry within the first 100 days of the Commission's term, prioritising the EU's competitiveness and prosperity.

Omnibus packages

Given the assumptions related to sustainable development and ESG reporting, Omnibus packages supporting the vision of increasing the prosperity and competitiveness of the EU economy seem particularly important.

The European Commission has so far unveiled the first two so-called Omnibus packages, i.e. measures aimed at concentrating sustainability reporting obligations that are likely to have the greatest impact on people and the environment and ensure that they do not burden smaller companies.

The first package includes the following steps:

• making sustainability reporting more accessible and effective,
• simplifying due diligence rules to promote responsible business practices,
• strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism to ensure fairer trade,
• unlocking opportunities in European investment programmes.

It should be noted that the Commission's goal is to reduce the number of regulations that create barriers for businesses in the European Union. With the measures introduced, the Commission aims to reduce administrative burdens by 25% and 35% for SMEs by the end of its term in 2029.

Currently, the proposals must be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council of Europe for review and adoption.

Affordable Energy Action Plan

To achieve the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal, the Commission has introduced a set of specific short-term and structural measures that will ensure competitiveness, affordability, security and sustainability for citizens and businesses.

The Affordable Energy Action Plan presented on Wednesday is to be based on four pillars:

• reducing energy costs for all,
• completing the Energy Union,
• attracting investment and ensuring its implementation,
• preparedness for potential energy crises.

The Action Plan comprises eight measures, most of which are to be implemented this year.

1. Increasing the affordability of electricity bills
2. Reducing the cost of electricity supply
3. Ensuring well-functioning gas markets
4. Energy effectiveness – energy savings
5. Completion of the Energy Union
6. Tripartite agreement ensuring affordable energy for European industry
7. Guaranteeing security of supply to ensure price stability
8. Being ready for price crises