Italy and Spain have joined France in pushing for a “Critical Chemicals Act” to safeguard Europe’s struggling chemical sector and keep the production of essential compounds within the EU.
The proposal, which has now gained backing from seven EU countries, was originally put forward by France and calls for about 15 key chemical substances to be classified as “strategic.” The goal is to ensure Europe remains self-sufficient in critical chemicals used across industries, from fertilizers to plastics, following similar EU policies for raw materials and pharmaceuticals.
The latest initiative has also been endorsed by the Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, Romania, and Slovakia. However, Germany—the EU’s largest chemical producer—has not yet signed on.
According to a draft obtained by Politico, the updated proposal expands the list of strategic molecules to include toluene, xylene, phenol, and styrene, which are crucial for industries such as pharmaceuticals, adhesives, plastics, and detergents.
The proposal also highlights the importance of low-carbon footprint molecules that could replace fossil-based chemicals in the future. While many of these alternatives are still in early development, the document suggests EU support should not be limited to specific molecules but should encourage broader innovation.
Additionally, the draft outlines a preliminary list of bio-based molecules, such as bio-glycerol and bio-ethanol, that could serve as sustainable substitutes. The proposal emphasizes that investing in biofuels, plastic recycling, bioplastics, and downstream chemical supply chains would be a strategic move for Europe’s long-term industrial resilience.
