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The European flat glass sector is facing one of its toughest crises as the first quarter of 2025 ends. Depressed markets across Europe have led to several float plant closures, while high operational and energy costs persist. Meanwhile, regulatory uncertainty and complexity continue to pose significant obstacles. These challenges severely hinder the industry's ability to tackle the enormous technical and economic challenge of decarbonizing flat glass production.
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At Glass for Europe, our recent efforts have focused on guiding the industry through these turbulent times by advocating for swift policy relief and more competitiveness-driven policies in the EU Clean Industrial Deal. During the EU Industry Summit in February in presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Vice President Séjourné, and Commissioner Hoekstra, our Chairman, Davide Cappellino, could directly address these concerns, calling for essential reforms.
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Unfortunately, the policy response so far has been disappointing. As a result, Glass for Europe is intensifying its advocacy efforts. As highlighted in this newsletter and those to follow, we are broadening our outreach by engaging with new policymakers across institutions and strengthening alliances with like-minded industries. This includes collaboration within Glass Alliance Europe, the Alliance of Energy-Intensive Industries, and our national partners.
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In times of crisis, the role of committed and effective EU trade organizations becomes even more apparent. These difficult times also oblige us to continuously refine our strategies and maximize every advocacy opportunity - both big and small.
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Engagement must be our compass. It certainly is for the Glass for Europe secretariat.
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Together with our members and partners, we are determined not just to help the flat glass sector endure but to position it for a strong and sustainable future.
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Bertrand Cazes
Secretary General, Glass for Europe
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Clean Industrial Deal
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Glass for Europe reacts to the publication of the Clean Industrial Deal following the European Industry Summit 2025
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On 26 February, the European Commission has presented its Clean Industrial Deal alongside an Action Plan for Affordable Energy and a simplification omnibus package. These initiatives were discussed at the European Industry Summit 2025 in which the Chair of Glass for Europe participated. Speaking at a high-level round table, Davide Cappellino expressed the need to do more to respond to the “perfect storm” facing the flat glass industry.
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The highly anticipated Clean Industrial Deal was introduced within the first 100 days of the Commission’s mandate, as promised. It focuses on two main objectives accelerating the...
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Glass for Europe presents its recommendations for the Clean Industrial Deal
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Ahead of the publication of the Clean Industrial Deal – expected on 26 February – Glass for Europe presents its recommendations for this initiative, which should link the EU’s industrial climate transformation to ambitious...
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Glass for Europe reacts to the publication of the Competitiveness Compass
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On 29 January, the European Commission unveiled its Competitiveness Compass, a strategic roadmap marking the first major step of its new mandate. Designed to bolster EU...
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Glass for Europe welcomes the EU Parliament’s resolution on Energy-Intensive Industries
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The Parliament’s draft resolution points out the difficulties facing energy-intensive sectors, primarily high energy prices and decarbonisation challenges, and calls for rapid action on energy prices, permitting, trade defence, and carbon leakage...
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Joint Statement Alliance of Energy-Intensive Industries
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Following the AEII Event on 26 March at the European Parliament, “How to Address the Competitiveness of Energy-Intensive Industries in the EU” hosted by MEP Giorgio Gori
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Industry leaders from across Europe gathered at the European Parliament today to discuss the urgent challenges facing energy-intensive industries (EII). Against the backdrop of soaring energy prices, regulatory fragmentation and difficulties in navigating the permitting framework, this high-level dialogue highlights the need for immediate and structural measures to reinvigorate Europe’s industrial competitiveness. Without urgent and decisive action, the EU risks accelerating deindustrialisation, losing valuable jobs and innovation, increasing...
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Two Glass for Europe members inaugurate the world’s first hybrid flat glass furnace
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On 12 February, AGC Glass Europe and Saint-Gobain officially launched the Volta production line at AGC’s Barevka plant in Dubí, Czech Republic.
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The century-old Barevka glass site is taking a leap into the future with ground-breaking...
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MEP Tobback visits a float glass plant in Mol
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On 24 March, MEP Bruno Tobback (S&D, BE) and his team visited AGC’s float glass plant in Mol. Bruno Tobback was Minister of Environment and Pensions in the Belgian federal government from 2004 until 2007 and joined the European Parliament in 2024...
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The European Commission unveils its Industrial Action Plan for the Automotive Sector
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Glass for Europe visits SOLTECH with MEP Marina Mesure
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This Tuesday January 28th, Glass for Europe had the pleasure of visiting SOLTECH’s facilities accompanied by French Member of the European Parliament, Marina Mesure. Ms Mesure sits in the Industry & Energy committee of the European Parliament and during the last term worked on...
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Glass for Europe presents its recommendations for the Affordable Housing Plan
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In anticipation of the European Affordable Housing Plan and to contribute to the Parliament’s Special Committee on Housing Crisis, Glass for Europe presents...
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Glass for Europe's recommendations on future declaration of environmental characteristics
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The Board of Directors discuss the EU’s lack of competitiveness and circularity at first 2025 meeting
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On March 12, Glass for Europe Board members met in the association’s new offices in Brussels for their first meeting of the year.
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The Board meeting provided an opportunity...
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Glass for Europe has moved!
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Glass for Europe is thrilled to announce that we have moved to a new location! Our new offices can be found on the 6th floor of Avenue des Arts 3-4-5.
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After 15 years in our offices in Rue Belliard, we are very excited to be moving to a new...
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Glass for Europe joins AEGIS Europe
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In 2025, Glass for Europe is joining a new industry alliance to promote manufacturing investment, innovation, job creation, and economic growth in Europe.
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Flat glass manufacturing in Europe is currently facing record-low demand due to economic downturns in both the construction...
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Glass for Europe becomes full member of Construction Products Europe
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After years of collaboration, Glass for Europe has become an official member of Construction Products Europe in 2025.
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Previously an associate member, Glass for Europe has decided to join Construction...
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