TIF Position on the EU Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA)
Technology Industries of Finland supports the objective of the IAA to strengthen industrial production in the EU, but emphasises the need to promote overall competitiveness, well-functioning single markets, and an operating environment that supports investment and exports.
Technology Industries of Finland takes a cautious view on origin-based requirements. European companies must be able to utilise the best available technologies and inputs, and competition should not be unnecessarily restricted. Procurement criteria based on quality and sustainability are more justified than regulation based on origin.
Low-carbon development should primarily be promoted through market-based instruments, such as emissions trading. However, additional measures are needed to create a justified market advantage for low-emission products also within the internal market. Technology Industries of Finland sees potential low-carbon requirements, alongside other environmental and quality criteria in public procurement, as a way to steer demand towards more sustainable products.
Low-carbon criteria should not be set as mandatory eligibility or minimum requirements. Instead, they should be applied as non-binding target levels that provide additional scoring in public procurement and support schemes. The design and level of all requirements must take into account the availability of low-carbonproducts in the EU and globally, as well as their impacts on competition and costs. Derogations are necessary due to cost, availability, and technical considerations.
The proposed new rules on foreign direct investment are viewed with caution. It is essential to maintain the EU’s attractiveness and to target only genuine risks without unnecessary restrictions.
Lisätietoja
Koskela Akseli
Director – Foresight and Preparedness Technology Industries of Finland