The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) has expressed optimism following the completion of hearings for the Commissioners-designate in the European Parliament. These discussions have highlighted a renewed commitment to reshoring industrial capacities, including solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing, to the European Union. This shift reflects a strategic focus on strengthening Europe’s clean technology industries and reducing reliance on external players.
ESMC welcomed the Commissioners-designate’s emphasis on solar PV manufacturing, which is viewed as a vital component of Europe’s industrial strategy. Members of the European Parliament called for urgent actions to address this issue. Solar PV manufacturing is deemed essential for Europe to reclaim and sustain its production capacities, particularly in light of the challenges posed by overcapacity in China. ESMC anticipates that these commitments will soon materialize into actionable measures under the Clean Industrial Deal, a new State aid framework, and other industrial policies expected during the early months of the new European Commission mandate.
ESMC Policy Director Žygimantas Vaičiūnas emphasized that the Commissioners-designate have demonstrated alignment in their approach to reshoring clean technology manufacturing. He noted the importance of integrating competition, trade, and industrial policies to create a Level Playing Field. This approach, combined with a focus on industrial competitiveness and resetting relations with China, represents a significant step forward. Vaičiūnas highlighted the urgent need for concrete actions to transform these commitments into impactful changes, as European industries currently face survival challenges.
The first 100 days of the new Commission mandate will be critical in shaping the Clean Industrial Deal to support solar PV manufacturing in Europe. ESMC has called for specific measures, including ensuring off-take of European-produced PV equipment and providing operational cost support. These measures are seen as essential to counter the challenges posed by the oversupply of solar PV products from China.
Several key takeaways emerged from the hearings. Teresa Ribera Rodríguez stressed the need for alignment between Europe’s clean energy transition and its economic competitiveness. She advocated for maximizing public financing, accelerating cleantech manufacturing capacities through the new State Aid framework, and enforcing competition policy to drive innovation and fairness. Stéphane Séjourné emphasized the importance of securing strategic autonomy, addressing overcapacities in China, and supporting EU industries through public procurement and quality criteria. He pointed out that 80% of Europe’s solar supply depends on China and called for efforts to strengthen innovation across the solar value chain.
Wopke Bastiaan Hoekstra outlined the essential tracks of climate action, competitiveness, and just transition to achieve the EU’s goals. He noted that the upcoming Clean Industrial Deal will aim to support industrial decarbonization, ensure access to affordable energy, and encourage clean investments. Hoekstra also underscored the need for a Level Playing Field to enhance competitiveness.
Maroš Šefčovič highlighted the challenges posed by China’s overcapacity, calling for better coordination between industrial and trade policies. He noted that the solar PV sector serves as a cautionary tale, as it was once a strong European industry. Šefčovič emphasized the need to use trade defence instruments, such as safeguards, to protect European interests and ensure fairness in global trade.
While the EU seeks to avoid trade conflicts, it is committed to securing a fair competitive environment. ESMC hopes that these early discussions will lead to swift and impactful policies to strengthen Europe’s solar PV manufacturing and overall cleantech industries.
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