The European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) has welcomed the European Commission’s proposal for an Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), which recognises glass manufacturing as a strategic industrial sector while aiming to simplify permitting procedures for decarbonisation projects across energy-intensive industries.

The initiative forms part of a broader EU strategy to strengthen Europe’s industrial base, with a proposed target for manufacturing to represent at least 20% of EU GDP by 2035. According to FEVE, this objective sends a strong signal about the importance of rebuilding industrial competitiveness while accelerating the transition to low-carbon production.

However, the federation emphasises that achieving these ambitions will require urgent action across multiple policy areas, including energy affordability, grid infrastructure expansion and regulatory simplification.

Europe’s glass packaging industry is fully committed to decarbonisation and is investing to make it happen. While today’s proposal is a step in the right direction, we need bolder action to lower energy prices, boost grid development and simplify rules to maintain our competitive edge.

said Carlo Pirrone, Secretary General of FEVE.

The European container glass industry plays a crucial role in the EU economy and supply chains, supporting exports of high-value products such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics worth more than €140 billion, equivalent to 6.1% of total EU exports.