The European Commission has adopted four new secondary legislative acts and a Communication under the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), reinforcing the EU’s drive towards a low-carbon, resilient, and competitive economy. These rules clarify how manufacturing projects can benefit from NZIA provisions – such as fast-tracked permitting, strategic project status, and the use of non-price criteria in public tenders.

The measures include a clear listing of net-zero technology components covered by the Act, common selection criteria for 'strategic project' designation, and guidance on applying resilience-based non-price criteria in public procurement and renewable energy auctions. Starting 30 December 2025, at least 30 % of auction volumes must apply such criteria, encouraging responsible, sustainable, and resilient clean tech manufacturing.

In parallel, the Commission published a Communication identifying EU supply sources for net-zero technologies, helping public buyers and Member States assess supply chain dependencies and project eligibility.

These steps build on stakeholder input and interinstitutional dialogue, delivering on the Clean Industrial Deal and the Affordable Energy Action Plan. They aim to scale up the EU’s clean tech capacity, ensure supply chain resilience, and support the emergence of a world-leading net-zero industrial ecosystem.