Glass for Europe reacts to the publication of the Industrial Accelerator Act

The Commission’s proposal recognises the manufacturing, shaping, and processing of flat glass as a strategic sector whose production must be retained and expanded within Europe. Glazing is a critical input for the construction, automotive and solar-energy industries, key sectors addressed by this regulation.

It is logical that our industry should benefit from the provisions on accelerated permitting and be eligible for inclusion within designated Acceleration Areas ensuring a regulatory environment conducive to investment.

Regarding EU-origin requirements in public procurement and support schemes, the current scope covers only a limited range of materials, despite the strategic relevance of others, including flat glass. The criteria for material selection, the thresholds applied, and the proposed extension to eligible third countries should be clearly articulated.

Glass for Europe welcomes that provisions related to the automotive sector cover all vehicle components with a 70% ex-works price threshold. The role of critical components such as automotive glazing may deserve to be better specified to boost the competitiveness of the entire automotive eco-system, as intended by the recent Automotive Strategy.

"While a resilient European flat glass sector is clearly strategic for the construction, automotive and solar energy value chains, further refinement and additional measures will be needed to fully strengthen flat glass and glazing manufacturing in Europe" concluded Bertrand Cazes.