European Sustainability Roadmaps
European Commission (EC)In recent years, the European Commission (EC) has developed an integrated industrial and climate strategy through three key roadmaps: the Compass for Competitiveness and the Pact for a Clean Industry, both published in 2025, and the Action Plan for the Circular Economy, initially adopted in 2020 and currently under review. These initiatives provide a common reference framework for strengthening the competitiveness of European industry from a sustainability perspective.
European Sustainability Roadmaps
Executive summary
The European Union's (EU) new strategic framework directly links competitiveness with the green transition, placing innovation, decarbonization and the circular economy at the core of industrial growth. The Compass for Competitiveness outlines structural priorities such as regulatory simplification, green financing and talent development. The Clean Industry Pact proposes concrete measures to support affordable energy, clean technologies and the creation of leading markets. The Circular Economy Action Plan reinforces sustainability across the value chain, with a focus on durable products, recycling and waste reduction.
While each roadmap has different objectives and time frames, together they represent a profound transformation of the European regulatory and economic landscape, with a direct impact on companies' operations, investments and business models.
Main content
This technical note summarizes the three main roadmaps:
- Competitiveness Compass. This initiative provides a structural vision to strengthen Europe's productivity, innovation and climate neutrality. It establishes three strategic priorities: i) regulatory simplification; ii) removal of barriers to the single market; and iii) promotion of skills and quality jobs. It also introduces coordination mechanisms at European level to align national policies and mobilize investment in key sectors.
- Pact for a Clean Industry. This serves as a roadmap for decarbonizing European industry in a context of global competition, energy pressure and market fragmentation. It is based on six pillars: i) access to affordable energy; ii) creating leading markets for clean technologies; iii) mobilizing public investment; iv) mobilizing private investment; iv) boosting the circular economy; and vi) improving labor skills.
- Action Plan for the Circular Economy. This plan reinforces sustainability throughout the value chain through sustainable products, waste reduction, hazardous substance management, promotion of secondary raw materials and controls on waste exports. It includes cross-cutting measures in employment, taxation, innovation and international leadership, consolidating circularity as a strategic lever for climate neutrality and industrial resilience.
Download the technical note on the European Sustainability Roadmaps available in English and Spanish.