The energy crisis triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has weakened the competitiveness of European industry vis-à-vis export-oriented economies, particularly in the face of the active industrial policies pursued by China and the US. The situation was exacerbated by further shocks – US tariff hikes in 2025 and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz during the US-Iranian war in 2026 – com pounded by the costs of the energy transition, which have become a significant burden on businesses.

Prepared in response to these challenges in September 2023, the report by Mario Draghi’s team contained recommendations for the EU in the areas of security, climate and the social model. The report highlighted the need for a “radical increase in investment and deeper integration”, on a scale comparable to the post-war reconstruction (at least €750 billion), which provided the impetus for the announcement of the Clean Industrial Deal. The aim of the CID is to strengthen European industry whilst accelerating decarbonisation. One of the key elements of the CID has been the Industrial Accelerator Act – designed to create pioneer markets for low-carbon technologies, primarily through public procurement criteria that prioritise strategic areas of low-carbon materials production within the EU.

The European Parliament and the Council’s assessment of the proposals and preparation of amendments will continue until at least the third quarter of 2026. The measures adopted will determine the future operating conditions for European industry. The regulation will therefore affect not only the pace of decarbonisation, but also the competitiveness of businesses and investment decisions within the European Union. The IAA is particularly significant for: businesses in energy-in tensive sectors, manufacturers of low-carbon technologies, public authorities responsible for implementing industrial and climate policy, institutions financing the transition, and industrial consumers. It is therefore worth analysing its main provisions and potential consequences for stakeholders.