On April 8, 2025 the Cleantech Conference - Advancing Europe’s Clean Industrial Transformation provided an insight into the Clean Industrial Deal (CID) and its objectives. 

Key messages from the conference were: Cleantech is already a significant contributor to employment in the European Union. To maintain Europe’s competitiveness and its position as a global cleantech leader, the European Commission is mobilising more funding for innovation, simplifying business rules, and ensuring access to critical raw materials. Following key conclusions from the Draghi report, decarbonisation and competitiveness are addressed both at the same time. Climate action is also seen an opportunity to build an inclusive, resilient economy that supports all citizens. Furthermore, in the current geopolitical climate, energy independence has become not just an environmental goal, but a strategic imperative for Europe. The key missing component for cleantech in Europe is a strong business and investment case as well as the full realisation of the single market. 
 
For the Clean Industrial Deal (CDI), six major barriers must be addressed: 

• Affordable Energy: The Action Plan on Affordable Energy (linked to the CID), has several elements related to buildings, covering a revised Heating and Cooling Strategy including a Geothermal Action Plan in early 2026, and a Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Energy Sector in 2026. 
• Clean Products: A voluntary low-carbon label for steel is being piloted, with potential expansion to other product categories.
• Circularity and Materials Security: Europe must significantly improve access to raw materials. A Circular Economy Act is planned for 2026, with a goal of ensuring that 24% of materials in use by 2030 are circular.
• Global Partnerships and Supply Chain Diversification: Europe must partner strategically to build resilient, diverse supply chains. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is positioned as a key tool for climate protection and economic security.
• Skills Development: A "Union of Skills" is envisioned to support the clean industrial transition through targeted education and workforce development.
• Financing and Investment:  The success of the Innovation Fund points to the need for scaled investment. A new Industrial Decarbonisation Bank is proposed to pool European and national funding.  A flagship Horizon Europe call of ca. EUR 600 million will be launched at the end of 2025 under the 2026-2027 work programme to support fit-for-deployment projects fostering synergies between the Horizon Europe (Cluster 4&5) and the Innovation Fund.