EU Manufacturing Reshoring: ESMC Highlights Commitment to Solar PV Sector After Commissioner Hearings

The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) has expressed strong support for the European Parliament hearings of the Commissioners-designate, which emphasized reshoring manufacturing capacities within the EU, particularly in the solar PV sector. The discussions signal a pivotal policy shift aimed at reclaiming strategic industries in Europe.

The ESMC praised the Members of the European Parliament for prioritizing solar PV manufacturing, highlighting its significance for the EU’s industrial and energy strategies. The council called for swift translation of these commitments into actionable proposals under the Clean Industrial Deal and updated State aid frameworks.

Policy Director Žygimantas Vaičiūnas stated:

“The unified commitment to reshore cleantech manufacturing is promising. European industries in survival mode need immediate, impactful measures to translate these policies into on-the-ground results.”

The council stressed that the first 100 days of the new European Commission’s mandate will be crucial in addressing challenges like China’s oversupply of solar PV equipment and ensuring operational support for EU manufacturers.

Key Policy Highlights from Hearings

Teresa Ribera Rodríguez emphasized:

The Clean Industrial Deal as essential for leveraging public finance and enhancing the EU’s global competitiveness.

Strengthening competition policies to drive innovation and fair play across industries.

Stéphane Séjourné addressed Europe’s strategic autonomy, warning of the adverse effects of overcapacity in China on EU industries. He advocated for:

Prioritizing key sectors like solar PV to reduce the EU’s 80% dependency on Chinese imports.

Revising trade policies to balance offensive and defensive strategies, using tools like the Foreign Subsidies Regulation.

Wopke Bastiaan Hoekstra outlined four critical areas—climate action, competitiveness, just transition, and international cooperation. He stressed the Clean Industrial Deal’s role in fostering industrial decarbonization and ensuring affordable energy access.

Maroš Šefčovič called for resetting EU-China trade relations to ensure fair competition and energy security. Drawing parallels with the steel sector, he recommended safeguards to protect the solar PV industry.

Future of Solar PV Manufacturing

The ESMC underscored the urgency of legislative and non-legislative measures to bolster Europe’s solar PV sector. Public procurement reforms, trade defence mechanisms, and strengthened competition policies are viewed as vital for achieving the EU’s strategic autonomy.

As the new Commission prepares to take office, stakeholders are keenly awaiting decisive actions to solidify Europe’s position as a leader in cleantech manufacturing. Solar PV remains a focal point in the broader agenda to enhance industrial resilience and energy security.