EU industrial policy

Industrial policy is an umbrella concept that brings together measures from several policy areas. In a broader sense, industrial policy includes measures that create the conditions for business operations, such as a well-functioning infrastructure, public funding for research, development and innovation, education and training, efficient public administration, and regulation.

Although industrial policy falls within the competence of the Member States, decisions at EU level provide the framework for Finland’s industrial policy. Finland’s goal is that the EU’s long-term strategic competitiveness should be based on further developing the Union’s own strengths and on market-based solutions. A functioning single market and an effective state aid policy that ensures fair and equal operating conditions are key starting points.

Finland has stressed that EU industrial policy should primarily promote industrial renewal and leave adequate room for technological development and innovation.

The European Commission published the Clean Industrial Deal in February 2025. The programme aims to lay the foundation for the EU’s competitiveness and decarbonisation and to address, in a coordinated way, challenges related to the climate crisis, competitiveness and economic resilience. Its focus is on energy-intensive industrial sectors, clean tech and the circular economy.

Clean Industrial Deal | European Commission