This Week in Manufacturing — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission selects 46 strategic raw materials projects; EU-China trade talks yield hybrid vehicles accord; Anti-dumping action on Chinese polyvinyl alcohol; Standardisation reform proposal tabled.
October 05, 2026 to October 11, 2026
Commission selects 46 strategic raw materials projects; EU-China trade talks yield hybrid vehicles accord; Anti-dumping action on Chinese polyvinyl alcohol; Standardisation reform proposal tabled.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission selects 46 new Strategic Projects to bolster the EU's supply of critical raw materials
The European Commission announced the selection of 46 new Strategic Projects across 16 Member States to strengthen EU supply chains for critical raw materials, as mandated by the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA, Regulation (EU) 2024/1421, in force since 23 May 2024). These projects cover extraction, processing, and recycling, spanning 15 out of 17 strategic raw materials essential for sectors such as batteries, defence, and permanent magnets. The list includes projects on lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite, along with rare earths, magnesium, and tungsten. The selected initiatives aim to meet the CRMA’s 2030 targets: 10% domestic extraction, 40% processing, and 25% recycling of annual EU consumption. The Commission highlighted progress under the previous round of strategic projects, with several completing environmental assessments and permitting, supported by Single Points of Contact in Member States. More than €2 billion has been mobilised via Innovation Fund, State aid, and EIB financing since the launch of the RESourceEU platform in December 2025.
EU-China Trade and Investment Consultations: Joint Statement and Commissioner Šefčovič's Press Remarks
The second meeting of the EU-China Trade and Investment Consultations took place in Beijing on 8-9 October 2026, co-chaired by Chinese Minister Wang Wentao and Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič. The parties agreed on measures to address trade imbalances—including an understanding to moderate China’s exports of hybrid vehicles to the EU and improve Chinese market access for selected EU products through lower MFN tariffs. Discussions addressed the BEVs anti-subsidy case, rare earth supply, and export controls, with commitments to enhance transparency and predictability. Commissioner Šefčovič stated that the accord paves the way for tariff reductions on goods such as car parts and olive oil, with estimated annual duty savings of €225 million. Both sides plan to continue dialogue, with a third ministerial meeting set for March 2027 and technical discussions on market access and regulatory frameworks ongoing.
Commission proposes revision of EU standardisation rules to accelerate standards development
The European Commission put forward a legislative proposal to reform the EU standardisation system, aiming to shorten the average time needed to develop a standard from six to four years. The revision will introduce binding deadlines, facilitate interim technical deliverables, and allow the use of external specifications in urgent cases. The draft regulation also codifies the provision of free access to harmonised standards referenced in EU law, following rulings from the Court of Justice. Provisions are included to improve SME participation and strengthen the EU’s international coordination in standardisation, with the establishment of an Expert Centre on European Standardisation. The proposal will now be considered by the European Parliament and Council.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Temporary trade-liberalisation measures for Armenian products adopted
Regulation (EU) 2026/2269 of 7 October 2026 introduces temporary trade-liberalisation measures for specific products originating in the Republic of Armenia, in response to Russian trade restrictions affecting Armenian exports. The regulation suspends ad valorem duties for certain goods and applies tariff quotas for eight agricultural products, with safeguards against market disruption and fraud. The measures are set for a two-year period, and are conditional on Armenia's compliance with rules of origin and partnership commitments.
Commission initiates anti-dumping registration on Chinese polyvinyl alcohol imports
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2245, adopted 8 October 2026, makes imports of certain polyvinyl alcohols manufactured by the Sinopec Group (China) subject to customs registration. This step follows the judgment in Case C-319/24 P and enables potential retroactive imposition of anti-dumping duties pending the outcome of a re-examination of earlier measures under Regulation (EU) 2016/1036.
EU updates restrictive measures related to Russia and Ukraine
The Council adopted several acts on 8 October 2026 amending existing restrictive measures in view of Russia's destabilising activities and actions undermining the territorial integrity of Ukraine. These include Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/2258, Decision (CFSP) 2026/2264, and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2263, which update sanctions lists and extend validity periods.
eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu
EU Council
Eurogroup discusses energy market, fiscal frameworks and capital markets union
On 8 October 2026, Eurogroup ministers reviewed exchange rate developments, public finance effectiveness, and implications of energy market shifts for the euro area. Progress on the capital markets union and preparations for upcoming international meetings were also addressed.
What We're Reading This Week
- Global oil demand set for first annual drop since the COVID-19 pandemic, IEA says: IEA forecasts global oil demand will decline in 2024, signaling a potential shift in energy consumption trends.
- 1 French-German non-paper Strengthening European resilience, addressing global macroeconomic imbalances and market distorting pr: France and Germany propose joint measures to boost EU economic resilience and counteract global market distortions.
