EUMEPS has formally joined the Critical Chemicals Alliance, following confirmation by the European Commission. The Alliance is a new EU-level initiative designed to strengthen Europe’s chemical sector and enhance the resilience of critical chemical supply chains.
“Membership of the Critical Chemicals Alliance allows EUMEPS to engage directly with the European Commission, Member States and other stakeholders on topics that are essential for our industry, including supply security, trade conditions and long-term investment in Europe,” said Lea Salihovic, Policy Manager at EUMEPS.
A New EU Platform for Critical Chemicals
The Critical Chemicals Alliance was launched by the European Commission in 2025 in the context of the European Chemicals Industry Action Plan. The Action Plan addresses structural challenges facing the EU chemical sector, including high energy costs, increased global competition and vulnerabilities in strategic supply chains. In addition, it sets out measures to accelerate the green transition, foster innovation in sustainable chemistry, and ensure material neutrality in regulatory frameworks.
The Alliance is conceived as a non-binding, cooperative platform bringing together industry, Member States, regions, and other relevant stakeholders. Its purpose is to enhance coordination, facilitate the exchange of evidence and expertise, and support the Commission’s policy reflection on chemicals that are identified as critical for the European economy and strategic value chains.
Focus of the Alliance’s Work
According to the European Commission, the Alliance will focus in particular on:
- Supporting the development of criteria to identify critical chemical production sites and molecules within the EU
- Contributing to the mapping of critical molecules, which will support trade monitoring, supply diversification and future policy work
- Assisting Member States and regions in the development of EU Critical Chemicals Sites, with the aim of facilitating investment, innovation, access to funding and the modernisation of production capacities
In the short term, the Commission has indicated that the Alliance’s work is expected to concentrate mainly on trade-related support measures, with no regulatory measures on critical molecules anticipated before the end of 2027.
Why This Matters for the EPS Industry
The EPS value chain relies on stable access to chemical inputs produced in Europe. Developments affecting chemical production, trade flows or investment conditions therefore have direct implications for EPS manufacturers and downstream users.
By joining the Critical Chemicals Alliance, EUMEPS aims to:
- Monitor policy developments affecting chemical supply and competitiveness
- Contribute sector-specific expertise to EU-level discussions
- Ensure that the needs of EPS producers are understood in the context of broader chemicals and industrial policy
EUMEPS’ participation reflects its continued engagement with EU institutions on issues linked to industrial resilience, competitiveness and the long-term sustainability of European manufacturing.