This Week in Manufacturing — Brussels (#14, 2026)
Parliament backs stricter chemicals safety, new worker protections; agreement reached on steel import safeguards; key committee opinions on EU grid permitting, raw materials, cohesion and budget reforms.
April 12, 2026 to April 18, 2026
Parliament backs stricter chemicals safety, new worker protections; agreement reached on steel import safeguards; key committee opinions on EU grid permitting, raw materials, cohesion and budget reforms.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On April 20, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Structured dialogue with Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space.
European Commission
Commission launches first Action Plan under the Pact for the Mediterranean
On 16 April 2026, the European Commission presented to Member States and Southern Mediterranean partners the inaugural Action Plan for the Pact for the Mediterranean. The Plan comprises 21 co-designed initiatives for 2026, developed through an extensive consultation process. Under the 'People' pillar, actions include the Mediterranean University Initiative and a Youth Parliamentary Assembly. The 'Economies' pillar features the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean-Tech Cooperation Initiative and a Tech Business Offer supporting digital connectivity. The 'Security' pillar covers the establishment of a European Firefighting Hub in Cyprus and a MED-OP platform for combating organised crime. The Action Plan responds to priorities identified in the Foreign Affairs Council (20 November 2025) and the European Council (18 December 2025). The Commission and the EEAS coordinated the Pact, which was adopted by the College in October 2025 and officially launched on 28 November 2025.
EP Committee Work
ENVI and IMCO adopt position on legislative simplification for chemicals and fertilisers
The Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) and Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committees adopted their joint report on the Omnibus VI package, which addresses classification, labelling, and packaging of chemicals, cosmetic products, and fertilising products. MEPs supported most Commission changes but maintained requirements for product label legibility and supplier telephone numbers. They introduced new provisions for warning pictograms in advertisements for hazardous chemicals. For cosmetics, the committees reduced the transitional period for carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic substances, opposed certain exemptions, and reinstated notification requirements for nanomaterials. For fertilisers, they supported regulatory simplification while upholding health and environmental standards. The report also endorses a ‘digital-by-default’ approach for information provision. Parliament is expected to vote its mandate for interinstitutional negotiations in April 2026.
ENVI approves reforms to strengthen the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
On 15 April 2026, the ENVI Committee adopted the report on the revision of the Regulation on the European Chemicals Agency (COM(2025)0386), as presented by rapporteur Christophe Clergeau. The report supports increased resources and greater flexibility for ECHA to fulfil its expanding mandate, including enhanced scientific capacity and improved cooperation among EU agencies. The reform aims to improve regulatory clarity, support innovation and competitiveness, and uphold high standards of health and environmental protection.
EMPL backs new workplace exposure limits for hazardous chemicals
On 15 April 2026, the Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) Committee approved the sixth revision of Directive 2004/37/EC on carcinogens, mutagens, and reprotoxic substances by 45 votes to 0, with 10 abstentions. The revision introduces new exposure limit values for cobalt and inorganic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 1,4-dioxane, and isoprene, and adds welding fumes to the directive’s scope. The committee also included provisions for mandatory use of personal protective equipment, regular breaks for workers using such equipment, gender mainstreaming in occupational health, and specific protection for firefighters. The text supports regular review of limit values and measures for SMEs. The mandate will go to plenary before negotiations with the Council.
ITRE issues draft opinion on budget expenditure tracking and performance framework
On 15 April 2026, the Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee published its draft opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing a framework for budget expenditure tracking and performance (COM(2025)0545). Rapporteur Angelika Winzig’s draft supports harmonisation and simplification of performance reporting, with attention to reducing administrative burdens for SMEs. The opinion calls for flexibility in sectoral programmes, stresses the need for meaningful indicators, and underscores Parliament’s prerogatives in the legislative process. The draft recommends proportional reporting requirements and avoidance of duplicating existing horizontal provisions.
TRAN issues draft opinion on the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security
On 14 April 2026, the Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Committee released its draft opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion for 2028–2034 (COM(2025)0565). Drafted by Rosa Serrano Sierra, the opinion proposes that at least 20% of the fund envelope (excluding CAP/border management) be earmarked for transport-specific objectives, focusing on completion of the TEN-T core and extended core networks, decarbonisation, and resilience. The text also calls for a dedicated 5% for tourism, improved connectivity for remote regions, and stronger provisions for regional and local authority involvement. The opinion advocates delegated acts for NRP Plan adoption and review.
DEVE opinion on strengthening risk preparedness in critical raw materials supply
On 15 April 2026, the Development (DEVE) Committee adopted its opinion on the targeted amendments to Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 (Critical Raw Materials Act) regarding company risk preparedness. Rapporteur Marit Maij’s text supports shifting identification of large companies to the Commission, reinforces conflict-sensitive analysis, and calls for meaningful stakeholder consultation, including with local communities and civil society. The opinion emphasises alignment with international agreements and sustainable development, recommending that mitigation measures account for environmental and social risks in supply chains.
ITRE draft report on permit-granting acceleration for energy infrastructure
On 16 April 2026, the ITRE Committee published its draft report (rapporteur Niels Fuglsang) on the proposal to amend Directives (EU) 2018/2001, 2019/944, and 2024/1788 regarding the acceleration of permit-granting procedures (COM(2025)1007). The draft proposes stricter deadlines for permitting, streamlined procedures for repowering renewables and grid upgrades, digitalisation of permitting processes, and provisions for equitable benefit-sharing with local communities. The text also advocates stronger support for anticipatory grid investments, road safety, rural mobility, and climate adaptation of transport infrastructure.
What We're Reading This Week
- ENDR Conference Gijón 2026 - “Advanced manufacturing and systems integration for a strong defence industry”: European defense leaders will convene in Gijón in 2026 to focus on advanced manufacturing and integrated systems for industry resilience.
