This Week in Manufacturing — Brussels (#15, 2026)
Commission launches AccelerateEU energy response; 20th Russia sanctions target manufacturing trade; EU-US critical minerals partnership; Lisbon rail bid cleared under Foreign Subsidies Regulation.
April 19, 2026 to April 25, 2026
Commission launches AccelerateEU energy response; 20th Russia sanctions target manufacturing trade; EU-US critical minerals partnership; Lisbon rail bid cleared under Foreign Subsidies Regulation.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📝 EP Motions & Questions
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission launches AccelerateEU to address fossil energy crisis
On 21 April 2026, the European Commission proposed AccelerateEU, a comprehensive set of actions to protect households and industry from the ongoing fossil energy crisis, triggered by the conflict in the Middle East. Since the escalation, the EU has incurred an additional €24 billion in energy imports, with no increase in supply. AccelerateEU involves coordination of gas storage refilling, management of oil stocks, and targeted emergency measures, including a new Fuel Observatory to monitor transport fuels. The plan includes an Electrification Action Plan, accelerated grid improvements, and additional investment mobilisation, with €219 billion available under the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The Commission will present the measures to EU leaders at the Informal European Council in Cyprus on 23-24 April 2026.
EU adopts 20th package of sanctions against Russia
On 22 April 2026, the Commission welcomed the adoption of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes robust energy and trade measures targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex. The package introduces new listings—36 for the Russian energy sector and 58 for military producers and suppliers in Russia and third countries, including entities in China, UAE, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Belarus. New bans restrict exports of chemicals, rubber, steel fasteners, metalworking tools, and industrial tractors, as well as imports of minerals, metals, processed aluminium, and chemicals, affecting trade flows valued over €365 million (exports) and €530 million (imports). The package activates the anti-circumvention tool for the first time, blocking exports of machine tools and telecom equipment to Kyrgyz Republic. Additional measures protect EU operators from abusive Russian legal claims and expand restrictions on Russian crypto assets, research funding, and media propaganda.
Commission clears Lisbon metro bid under Foreign Subsidies Regulation
On 20 April 2026, the Commission approved Metropolitano de Lisboa's contract award for the Lisbon 'Violet' metro line, subject to conditions under Regulation (EU) 2022/2560 (Foreign Subsidies Regulation). An in-depth investigation found that Portugal CRRC Tangshan Rolling Stock Unipessoal received foreign subsidies distorting the tender, leading to commitments to replace CRRC with PESA Bydgoszcz. The Commission will monitor compliance; this marks the first final FSR decision in public procurement following an investigation. The contract, valued above €250 million, advances the EU’s approach to ensuring a level playing field in large infrastructure tenders.
EU and US launch strategic partnership on critical minerals
On 23 April 2026, Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Washington, formalising the EU-US partnership on critical minerals. The partnership covers the entire value chain—exploration, extraction, processing, refining, recycling, and recovery—and supports joint innovation, investment, and trade policy. Both parties agreed to an Action Plan for supply chain resilience, with cooperation on standards, stockpiling, and rapid response mechanisms. The MoU builds on previous commitments from the Critical Minerals Ministerial (4 February 2026) and the Joint Statement of 21 August 2025.
Commission approves €411 million state aid for Croatian development bank HBOR
On 19 April 2026, the Commission approved Croatia's €411 million capital injection into the development bank HBOR under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility. HBOR will expand support for SMEs, renewable energy, infrastructure, and the defence sector, prioritising eco-friendly technologies and regional connectivity. The measure ensures that public funding addresses market gaps without crowding out private investment. The non-confidential decision (SA.121107) will be published in the State aid register.
Commission greenlights Poland's €7.2 billion NextGenerationEU payment request
On 22 April 2026, the Commission positively assessed Poland's fourth payment request of €7.2 billion under the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Poland has completed 30 milestones and 13 targets, encompassing hydrogen investments, zero-emission buses, broadband expansion, hospital restructuring, and labour law enforcement. The Economic and Financial Committee will deliver its opinion within four weeks, after which the Commission will authorise payment. With this tranche, Poland will have received €34.15 billion, representing 62.4% of its national plan.
EU to strengthen regional dimension of research and innovation
On 23 April 2026, the Commission and the Committee of the Regions signed a Joint Action Plan to enhance the regional and local dimension of EU research and innovation policy. The plan supports the European Research Area, green and digital transitions, greater access to Horizon Europe funding, and evidence-based policymaking in regions. The partnership aims to deliver 11 actions by the end of the Commission's 2024–2029 mandate.
European Institutions agree Roadmap to achieve 'One Europe, one Market' by end 2027
On 23 April 2026, the President of Cyprus (Council Presidency), President Metsola (European Parliament), and President von der Leyen (Commission) signed the 'One Europe, One Market Roadmap' at the Informal meeting of Heads of State or Government. The Roadmap sets legislative targets, quarterly reviews, and clear institutional responsibilities to advance the competitiveness agenda and complete the Single Market by 2027.
EU Council
Upcoming Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) to address economic security
On 22 May 2026, EU trade ministers will convene in the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) to discuss economic security in light of the Middle East conflict’s impact on trade. The agenda includes follow-up to the 14th WTO ministerial conference and a review of ongoing trade negotiations.
EP Motions & Questions
Motion for Resolution: Protection of EU companies, jobs, and products against unfair competition from non-EU countries
On 21 April 2026, Bogdan Rzońca (PETI Committee) tabled a motion for a resolution (B10-0185/2026) addressing unfair competition from non-EU countries. The motion references Regulation (EU) 2024/3015 on forced labour, the Digital Services Act (EU) 2022/2065, and recent customs reforms, calling for reinforced enforcement, origin labelling, and targeted trade-defence instruments for manufacturing and e-commerce imports.
EP Committee Work
ECON Draft Report: EU approach to corporate tax policy amid international changes
On 22 April 2026, Kinga Kollár (ECON Committee) published a draft report (PE781.467v01-00) on the EU’s approach to corporate tax policy in a changing international environment. The report reviews the implementation of the OECD Pillar Two Directive (EU) 2022/2523, coordination with US tax regimes (NCTI), and simplification of EU tax rules. It highlights competitive disadvantages for EU-headquartered multinational enterprises and supports a unified EU position in multilateral tax forums.
ITRE Draft Report: Guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure
On 24 April 2026, Tsvetelina Penkova (ITRE Committee) released a draft report on the proposal for a regulation amending Regulations (EU) 2019/942, 2019/943, and 2024/1789, and repealing Regulation (EU) 2022/869. The report addresses updated guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure, focusing on grid integration and industrial resilience.
ITRE Draft Opinion: Temporary Decarbonisation Fund for energy-intensive industrial sectors
On 21 April 2026, Massimiliano Salini (ITRE Committee) issued a draft opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing the Temporary Decarbonisation Fund (COM(2025)0990 – 2025/0418(COD)). The fund provides transitional support to aluminium, fertiliser, iron, and steel sectors, compensating for the phase-out of EU ETS free allowances and addressing export competitiveness risks.
ITRE Draft Report: European Competitiveness Fund ('ECF') including defence research and innovation
On 20 April 2026, Christian Ehler (ITRE Committee) published a draft report (PE784.506v01-00) on the regulation establishing the European Competitiveness Fund. The ECF combines funding for industrial competitiveness and defence research, repealing Regulations (EU) 2021/522, 2021/694, 2021/697, and 2021/783, and amending Regulations (EU) 2021/696 and 2023/588.
ENVI Report: Simplification of chemical product regulatory requirements
On 20 April 2026, Piotr Müller (ENVI Committee) published a report (PE782.180v02-00) on amending Regulations (EC) No 1272/2008, 1223/2009, and (EU) 2019/1009 to simplify requirements and procedures for chemical products. The report proposes streamlined processes for classification, labelling, and approval in the chemicals manufacturing sector.
PETI Motion for Resolution: Unfair competition from non-EU countries
On 21 April 2026, Bogdan Rzońca (PETI Committee) published a motion for a resolution addressing unfair competition from non-EU countries. The motion cites regulatory, customs, and product safety challenges impacting EU manufacturers and e-commerce operators, referencing the Draghi report on European competitiveness and recent legislative changes on forced labour and market surveillance.
What We're Reading This Week
- China is quietly armour-plating its supply chains. Brussels must take note: China strengthens supply chain resilience amid global tensions, prompting calls for Europe to reinforce its own economic security measures.
- ‘Made in Europe’: an industrial worker perspective: European industrial workers voice concerns and hopes as the EU pushes for greater self-sufficiency in manufacturing.
- Transition from fossil fuels: 'The EU must put up a united front': EU leaders urge stronger collective action to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels and meet climate commitments.
- Germany halves GDP forecast from 1% to 0.5% due to Iran war fallout: Germany lowers its economic growth outlook amid escalating risks and disruptions from the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
