Letter to European Council on Energy Policy
To: Heads of State and Government of the European Union (European Council)
Cc: Energy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Industrial Policy and Competitiveness
Subject: Priorities from Energy-Intensive Industries on competitive energy
Your Excellencies,
High energy prices and rising system costs have already taken a heavy toll on European industries, with unprecedented plant closures and loss of competitiveness experienced in the
course of the past few years. Without further action, we risk locking Europe into an expensive, fragile decarbonisation, paying the full cost but without reaping its benefits.
Following the Antwerp Summit 2026 and the informal EUCO meeting in Alden Biesen in February, which have recognised energy policy among the key priorities for European industry, the undersigned sectors call on the European Council to endorse urgent, targeted measures to swiftly protect competitiveness and enable industrial electrification, in particular:
• Support a political commitment to bring total industrial electricity costs to 50
EUR/MWh threshold as key performance indicator identified by the Clean Industrial
Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) across the EU
• Call for a Commission impact assessment of short-term markets by June 2026, to
assess inefficiencies and impact on competitiveness of energy-intensive industries
• Shield industry from rising system costs associated with the energy transition
• Improve current state aid rules on the electricity temporary price relief (CISAF), which
are too restrictive
• As a matter of priority, require suppliers to supply a predefined share of their publicly
subsidised electricity production at ‘production cost” to specific industries exposed to
international competition
• Improve affordability and unlock uptake of industrial Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) through EU-wide risk mitigation instruments
• Finance electrification by mobilising EU funding and improve permit procedures for energy infrastructure projects
• Maintain industrial demand response as “voluntary” and increase transparency on electricity bill cost drivers
• Incentivise system flexibility, promoting the contribution of all renewable and low-carbon energy sources.
We hope that these recommendations will be discussed during the upcoming Council Energy meeting and subsequently reflected in the European Council conclusions on competitiveness, as regards the energy dimension, to be adopted on 19–20 March. Clear political guidance and a credible implementation pathway are indispensable to restore confidence and secure continued investment in Europe’s industrial base.
Yours sincerely,
Jori Ringman, Director General Cepi
Marco Mensink, Director General Cefic
Renaud Batier, Director General Cerame-Unie
Philip Cornille, Secretary General EIGA
Rodolphe Nicolle, Secretary General EuLa
Axel Eggert, Director General EUROFER
Bob Lambrechts, Secretary General Euroalliages
Mara Caboara, Secretary General EXCA
James Watson, Director General European Metals
Rolf Kuby, Director General Euromines
Liana Gouta, Director General FuelsEurope
Carlo Pirrone, Secretary General Glass Alliance Europe
