The European Solar Manufacturing Council and SolarPower Europe call for additional measures beyond the Net Zero Industry Act including production linked support, inclusion of “Made in Europe” in Public Procurement, and better financing conditions. Joint Letter sent to European Commission and Ministers of the Competitiveness Council ahead of Solar-PV Ministerial Meeting at 30 September
The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) and SolarPower Europe (SPE) today issued a joint call to EU leaders, urging them to use the upcoming Ministerial meeting on 30 September 2025 to announce a concrete action plan for solar manufacturing in Europe.
In a joint letter addressed to Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Director-General Kerstin Jorna, and copied to Ministers of the Competitiveness Council, the two associations underline the urgency of decisive political intervention to secure the future of Europe’s solar photovoltaic (PV) industry.
“Europe’s solar industry is at a crossroads. Without immediate, coordinated action, Europe risks losing its remaining solar manufacturing base. We call on EU leaders to turn the ambition of the Net-Zero Industry Act into reality,” said Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe.
A Strategic Moment for European Solar Manufacturing
Despite strong political commitments under the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) and the 2024 EU Solar Charter, Europe’s solar deployment is stalling while industrial closures and bankruptcies mount across the value chain. The NZIA targets at least 30 GW of EU-manufactured solar PV by 2030 – yet this goal cannot be achieved without urgent political and financial support.
“The EU must act now to preserve its solar sovereignty. The ESIA’s 30 GW ambition is not materialising – and time is running out. Manufacturers cannot wait until the next financial framework to see action,” stressed Christoph Podewils, Secretary General of ESMC.
Industry Recommendations to EU Leaders
The letter outlines five key measures that EU leaders should commit to at the Ministerial meeting and ESIA Forum:
- 1. A European PV Industry 2030 Action Plan – A political roadmap to rebuild and expand solar manufacturing capacities along the full value chain.
- 2. Revision of EU Public Procurement Legislation – To reward resilience, cybersecurity, and EU content, ensuring “Made in Europe” solar is included in public procurement.
- 3. A New Cleantech Manufacturing Fund – Under the next Multiannual Financial Framework, with a dedicated facility for solar covering both CAPEX and OPEX support.
- 4. Expansion of Temporary OPEX Support – Extending the Clean Industrial State Aid Framework Chapter 6 to all solar value chain segments to prevent further factory closures and retain skilled workers.
- 5. Increased Role for the European Investment Bank (EIB) – Including low- or zero-interest loans, counter-guarantees, and “Made in Europe” criteria for supported projects.
A Clear Call to Action
The solar associations stress that implementing the NZIA alone is insufficient. Without a bold and immediate commitment, Europe risks losing its capacity to produce solar PV technologies domestically – undermining both its climate neutrality goals and its strategic sovereignty.
“This is a make-or-break moment. The EU must show it is ready to preserve and rebuild Europe’s solar industry – before it is too late,” the letter concludes.