This week, EPDA decided to join the Critical Chemical Alliance, an initiative of the European Commission to bring together all stakeholders in the chemical industry, including the Member States and regional authorities. The Alliance will focus on maintaining and modernising critical production capacities and addressing trade issues in the chemical sector. The first assembly meeting will be on January 13th in Geleen, the Netherlands. When our application is accepted, one of our board members or staff will attend the assembly meeting.
What is the Critical Chemical Alliance?
On 8 July 2025, the European Commission adopted the European Chemicals Industry Action Plan. A core element of the Action Plan is fostering cooperation between the Commission and stakeholders, including Member States, regional authorities and industry. To this end, the Action Plan foresees the establishment of a Critical Chemicals Alliance.
The Alliance will serve as a structured mechanism for cooperation between the Commission and stakeholders, focusing on maintaining and modernising critical production capacities and addressing trade issues in the chemical sector.
As set out in the Action Plan, the Alliance will support Member States and stakeholders in implementing the following actions:
- Set up support for Member States and stakeholders to develop criteria to identify critical production sites and molecules in the EU;
- Assist Member States and stakeholders in mapping critical molecules, which will serve as a basis for enhanced monitoring under the Customs Surveillance System, supply diversification, and a possible legislative proposal on critical molecules;
- Assist Member States and Regions in setting up EU Critical Chemicals Sites, to facilitate investments, innovation, improve access to funding and assist the modernisation of critical production capacities.
The work of the Alliance should not be limited to these actions but also take a comprehensive view of the challenges affecting the chemical sector, including energy prices, decarbonisation, international competitiveness and regulatory simplification.
Do you want to read more about the Critical Chemical Alliance? Click this link