European industrial strategy focuses on energy security and sustainability

European industry is facing a shift in how sustainability and energy are managed. While reporting obligations in Europe are being simplified to reduce administrative burdens, experts suggest that sustainability must be integrated into core management to drive competitiveness. In the plastics sector, this involves using data on energy consumption, raw materials, and emissions to improve decision-making regarding material selection and design.

Beyond environmental concerns, energy policy is increasingly viewed through the lens of security and sovereignty. Recent geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated that energy supplies can be used as instruments of pressure. Consequently, the focus is shifting toward ensuring supply security and affordability alongside decarbonization. The goal is to reduce dependencies on third parties and bolster European industrial capacity, including the potential recovery of the refining industry.