Industrial Forum: Eurochambres pushes for an Industrial Accelerator Act with workable rules for SMEs

During the inaugural Plenary meeting on 27 March under the new Industrial Forum mandate, Eurochambres Senior Policy Advisor Giacomo Fersini expressed support for the ambitions of the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA). He welcomed its targeted focus on energy-intensive industries, net-zero technologies, and the automotive value chain: sectors currently under significant strain due to global competition, high input costs, and the demands of the green transition.

While acknowledging the proposal’s attention to faster permitting processes and the development of industrial clusters, he noted that its success will ultimately depend on effective implementation. The IAA should act as a true driver of industrial production rather than adding further complexity.

Regarding procurement, Eurochambres supports demand-side measures in a limited number of strategic sectors. However, it stresses that any “Made in Europe” criteria must remain transparent, proportionate, and subject to regular review, rather than evolving into permanent structural preferences. Ensuring alignment with international trade obligations is essential to prevent excessive compliance burdens on SMEs and to avoid potential retaliatory actions from third countries.

On permitting procedures, the chamber network supports the introduction of a single digital system but calls for broader application. Simplification measures should extend to all industrial investments, not solely those linked to decarbonisation projects.

Giacomo Fersini, Senior Economic Policy Advisor

fersini@eurochambres.eu