USE OF DIGITAL MEDIA FOR THE ISSUE OF INVOICES AND OTHER DOCUMENTS IN VENEZUELA

The National Tax Administration in Venezuela recently decided to regulate the use of digital media for the issuance of invoices and other tax documents, aiming at adapting taxation to new technologies. 

The application of the technology to invoicing must be implemented by certain entities, which must file a request for authorization with the National Superintendence of Internal Taxes of the National Tax Administration; that is, said entities must be duly authorized. To that end, their request must be accompanied by the requirements established in the new tax regulation and will be approved or denied by the Superintendence in a period of 30 business days.

The entities subject to the obligation to implement the digital invoicing, according to the new tax regulation, are the following: (i) entities that perform commercial operations solely through electronic means or web portals; and (ii) entities bound to use tax machines and which simultaneously perform commercial operations through electronic means or web portals. In addition, the entities that are not subject to use tax machines may choose to use this type of invoicing.

A three-month transition period was established for implementing this type of invoicing, for purposes of adaptation to the same and in order to meet the requirement of request for authorization from the National Tax Administration.

With the implementation of this new regulation, the National Tax Administration seeks to couple tax rules on invoicing with the technological development of the last years, aiming to adapt the national taxation to the new economic and technological realities and assure a greater efficiency in tax processes.

1. Introduction to Mercosur

The Southern Common Market, commonly known by the Spanish abbreviation Mercosur, is a regional trade bloc founded in 1991 that currently includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

The goal of Mercosur is that of promoting free trade and economic integration among its members, as well as between its members and third countries. For this purpose, Mercosur enters into specific bilateral agreements, called Economic Complementation Agreements (ACE), such as those entered by other South American countries like Peru, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. Such agreements generally entail tariff reductions on goods traded between the signatory countries, rules of origin, and trade facilitation measures, including customs procedures and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Interestingly, Mercosur:

has 268 million consumers (not considering ACE countries); accounts for approximately 70% of South America’s GDP; and its key sectors of production include (i) agriculture (meat, dairy products and fruits); (ii) industry (automotive and machinery) and (iii) services (financial, telecommunications and IT). 2. The relations between Mercosur and the European Union until now

Mercosur is a big market for EU exports and, until now, it was the only major trading partner in Latin America with which the EU lacked a preferential trade agreement. At the same time, the EU is Mercosur’s second-biggest good trading partner, after China and ahead of the United States.

The thriving nature of the trade relations between Mercosur and the EU is represented in the following table.

EUMercosurTrade in Goods (2023)Exports to Mercosur: €55.7 billionExports to EU: €53.7 billionTrade in Services (2022)Exports to Mercosur: €28.2 billionExports to EU: €12.3 billionTop Export CategoriesMachinery and appliances (26.7%)Chemicals and pharmaceuticals (25%)Transport equipment (11.9%)Mineral products(29.6%)Foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco (19.2%)Vegetable products (17.9%)

Despite the above, Mercosur’s economies are highly protected, and European firms face many trade barriers when exporting there, which makes it hard for them to compete under fair conditions. These barriers include, among other, high import duties, burdensome procedures, as well as technical regulations and standards, which differ from international ones.

3. The EU-Mercosur Agreement

The negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur were launched in June 1999. After a suspension, talks resumed in 2010. The protracted negotiations gained renewed momentum in 2016, and, in 2019, the European Union and Mercosur concluded the talks following new tariff-reduction offers.

Eventually, on December 6, 2024, both parties reached a political agreement to enhance the deal and address concerns related to sustainable development (the “EU-Mercosur Agreement” or more generally the “Agreement”).

The Agreement, which is composed of a political and cooperation pillar and a trade pillar, has not come into force yet. The conclusion of negotiations marks only the first step in the process toward finalizing the Agreement (see, Section 5 below).

In terms of content, the Agreement addresses several issues. Its key themes include:

Market Access – The Agreement foresees significant reductions in tariffs, especiallyin key sectors (like those of automobiles, chemicals, and raw materials), with a focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Services – To open new opportunities for growth and enhance competition, broader access will be granted to service providers across industries such as telecommunications, financial services, and transport. Sustainability and Environment – In the context of their shared environmental goals, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement, with specific attention to deforestation and sustainable trade practices. The Agreement could also be suspended if these goals are not met. Agriculture and Food – One of the most pressing issues is the regulation of agricultural products, a pivotal area that influences not only the future of EU farmers but also the protection of sensitive sectors and the safeguarding of rigorous food safety standards. Rules of origin and Intellectual Property – To safeguard respective products and sensitive markets, the Agreement regulates the protection of Geographical Indications (e.g. Parmesan and Champagne) and the harmonization of technical standards. It also enhances intellectual property protections. Government Procurement – With the aim of creating new opportunities and a stronger collaboration, the two blocs are opening government procurement markets, enabling companies to bid for public contracts in each other’s regions. Social Rights – The parties assessed the economic, social, and human rights impacts of the Agreement’s trade provisions, ensuring that neither side can promote trade or investment by ignoring or failing to enforce labour laws and social impacts. Dispute Resolution – The commitments on Trade and Sustainable Development will be enforceable through a dispute settlement mechanism involving an independent panel of experts, civil society participation (including employers and trade unions), and the expertise of international bodies. Economic and Political Cooperation – Political dialogue and cooperation will be further strengthened in areas such as migration, green technologies, raw material sourcing, research, and the fight against money laundering and cybercrime. Review and Monitoring –Regular reviews of the Agreement’s impact are to be conducted, incorporating stakeholder input to ensure transparency and facilitate progress.

The most significant key issues under the Agreement are (i) tariff reductions and their implementation timelines (see Sub-Section 3.1 below); (ii) sustainability and environmental protection commitments (see Sub-Section 3.2 below); and (iii) changes in services and professional mobility (see Sub-Section 3.3 below).

3.1. What types of tariff reductions are provided for under the Agreement?

Mercosur’s starting tariff levels are considerable[1] and EU tariffs are also very high, especially on agri-food products[2]. Therefore, EU-Mercosur Agreement establishes a tariff elimination schedule, gradually liberalizing trade across various sectors with specific timelines and percentages for different products.

Generally, the Agreement eliminates tariffs on more than 90% of bilateral trade. Under the Agreement, the EU would indeed remove import duties on 92% of Mercosur goods exported to the EU, while  Mercosur would eliminate customs duties on 91% of EU goods exports to Mercosur.

Under the Agreement, depending on the product type, tariff reductions are implemented in the form of (i) immediate tariff eliminations (i.e. elimination within the first year); (ii)    gradual reductions (i.e. reduction over a period of 4 to 10 years); or (iii) quota reductions (i.e., phased-in reductions over periods ranging from 5 to 10 years depending on the product).

For example:

Industrial Goods – The EU will eliminate duties on all industrial goods over a transitional period of up to 10 years. Tariffs on EU cars and automotive parts will be eliminated over a period of 18, 25, and 30 years, depending on the specific product, making it easier for European firms to export to Mercosur countries. Agricultural Products – The EU will liberalize 82% of Mercosur agricultural imports and Mercosur will remove tariffs on 93% of tariff lines for EU exports. For some products, the Agreement introduces tariff rate quotas (TRQs), allowing a specified volume of imports at reduced tariff rates. Once these quotas are filled, the standard tariffs will apply.

High tariffs on EU agri-food exports will be removed. This includes key products like olive oil, wine, malt. For some dairy products, zero duties will gradually apply within quotas. The EU will grant very limited access to its market to imports of agri-food products. For sensitive products like beef, poultry or sugar, access to the EU market will be limited through gradually implemented quotas (beef: a quota of 99,000 tonnes, subject to a 7.5% duty; poultry: quota of 180,000 tonnes, phased in over five years; sugar: duty-free quota of 180,000 tonnes).

Lastly, a bilateral safeguard clause can be applied in case increased imports cause or even only threaten to cause serious injury to the relevant sectors.

Raw materials – The deal will lower EU tariffs on critical raw materials and their processed products, making exports to the EU easier and imports cheaper. It will also eliminate tariff escalation, incentivizing Mercosur to develop local production of value-added products. Brazil will retain some taxes on exports of certain materials, but the EU would benefit from a ceiling on them. For Argentina, all export taxes on minerals are waived. 3.2. What are the sustainability and environmental protection commitments included in the Agreement?

Under the Agreement, with regards to sustainability and environmental protection, the EU and Mercosur:

Commit to implementing the United Nations Framework Convention and the Paris Agreement on climate change, with possible suspension of benefits if a party does not do so. Undertake to support existing climate and environmental standards and not lower or dilute them. The Agreement prohibits either side from encouraging trade and investment by derogations from or not enforcing environmental laws. Commit to promote sustainable fisheries and sustainable forest management, among others. The deal will also open opportunities for supply chains of products that are produced in a way that helps conserve the environment.

The commitments on trade and sustainable development will be enforceable through a dispute settlement mechanism that includes (i) external review by an independent panel of experts, (ii) role for civil society at all stages, and (iii) calling on the expertise of international bodies.

3.3. What will the Agreement mean for services and investments?

The Agreement will make it easier for EU companies to offer their services in Mercosur and vice versa, whether by setting up locally or providing services across borders. Additionally, it will reduce discrimination and create new opportunities for service providers and investors from both regions.

Many sectors, such as business services, financial services, telecommunications, maritime transport, and postal and courier services, are expected to benefit from these measures.

The EU and Mercosur will still regulate their service markets fairly and without discrimination and the Agreement will not liberalize public services like healthcare or state-funded education. Furthermore, it will ensure that regulators, both foreign and domestic, can continue to establish and enforce non-discriminatory rules to protect health, safety, the environment, and consumers while ensuring high-quality services and workers’ rights.

4.The Economic Impact Expected to Originate from the Agreement

The EU-Mercosur Agreement is expected to significantly increase bilateral trade by up to 37% in the long term, while the negative effect on trade with other regions will be limited[3]. Several studies have assessed the Agreement’s impact on GDP, with one predicting a €10.9 billion increase for the EU (0.1% of GDP) and a €7.4 billion one for MERCOSUR (0.3% of GDP) by 2032[4].

4.1. What are the benefits for European companies investing under the Agreement?

European companies stand to gain several advantages from the Agreement, namely:

Significant cost savings – The removal of high Mercosur tariffs will result in over €4 billion in annual savings on customs duties for EU exporters. Streamlined exports – The immediate tariff elimination for approximately 70% of goods will facilitate smoother market entry. Moreover, simplified and more efficient customs procedures will reduce administrative burdens and improve the speed of trade. Access to a large market – The Agreement will open access to a combined market of more than 700 million consumers (Mercosur and EU together), enhancing opportunities for expansion. Support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – The Agreement includes a section focused on helping SMEs with the specific challenges they face in trade and investment. This is important, as over 30,000 European SMEs currently export to Mercosur, and this number is likely to increase due to easier market access. Equal access to public contracts – EU companies will be able to bid for public contracts on the same terms as Mercosur businesses. Sector-specific opportunities – The Agreement will open substantial opportunities for EU companies in key sectors such as the automotive industry. Employment and economic growth – Increased foreign investments are expected to drive job creation and economic development. Encouragement of strategic investments – The Agreement will promote investments in South America’s infrastructure and sustainable technologies, creating new opportunities for European companies. Political and strategic advantages – The Agreement will fortify political and economic relations with Latin America, offering a strategic response to rising global protectionism. It will ensure long-term stability by preventing discriminatory trade practices and creating a more predictable and secure environment for both EU and Mercosur businesses. 4.2. What are the benefits for medium-sized European companies partnering with Mercosur firms?

In addition to the benefits already mentioned, medium-sized European companies partnering with Mercosur firms will also gain a range of additional advantages:

Full access to resources – The Agreement provides preferential access to critical raw materials and green goods, strengthening supply chains and competitiveness. Stronger competitiveness – Improved standards in areas such as intellectual property and environmental protection ensure compliance and predictability, while investment incentives promote local operations, boosting competitiveness. Opportunities for collaboration and innovation – The Agreement encourages joint ventures with local companies, leading to innovative products tailored for local markets. Support for sustainable practices – By aligning with sustainability goals, the Agreement helps enhance brand reputation and strengthens the corporate social responsibility profile. 5. The ratification process and the entry into force of the Agreement

The ratification process for the EU-Mercosur Agreement involves several complex stages. Specifically:

, after initial approval, the Agreement must be ratified by the parliaments of all four Mercosur countries (i.e., Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay) as each country has its own legislative process. , the process is more complex.

The text of the Agreement was published on the European Commission’s website, and it will now be checked by lawyer linguists and translatedinto all official EU languages.

Then, the Commission will transmit a proposal to the Council (where EU countries are represented by their Trade Ministers) and the Parliament for the signature and conclusion of the Agreement. This stage requires a qualified majority: 55% of Member States (15) representing at least 65% of the EU population must be in favour. It means that a minimum of four States representing at least 35% of the EU population could block the Agreement.

Lastly, the Agreement must be ratified by the national parliaments of all 27 EU member states.

The legal structure of any final EU-Mercosur deal, and therefore the ratification procedure, will be decided only after the negotiations between the EU Institutions are completed. Two main models are likely to be used:

In the most optimistic scenario, the full ratification process is expected to take between 12 to 18 months as of the signing date, which is not known yet. However, delays are a frequent challenge in trade agreements. To put it into perspective, it took about nine years for the agreement between the European Union and Canada to be fully ratified from its signing in 2014 until final approvals were completed in 2023. For the purpose of clarity, signing an international treaty does not give it any legal force, only its ratification does.

6. The Challenges and Opposition Faced by the Agreement

The EU-Mercosur Agreement was reached in December 2024, but there are still significant challenges and obstacles before it can take effect. Along the complex signing and ratification process, political tensions in EU play a critical role. Indeed, some EU countries are concerned about the impact on local industries (especially agriculture) and the environment, and this is leading to political divisions. These divisions could make the ratification process more difficult and may result in further delays.

6.1. What are the political tensions originated by the Agreement inside the EU?

The Agreement has caused major political tensions within the European Union. Specifically:

Supporters – The European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, Germany and Spain strongly support the Agreement, which would diversify trade and strengthen their economies, seeing it as an important achievement and a geopolitical win.

The Agreement is expected to bolster the German automotive sector (Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz) and chemicals industry (companies like Bayer), by reducing tariffs and opening markets in South America.

Spain is predicted to gain from the deal, with its manufacturing, chemicals, and pharmaceutical sectors benefitting. Exports are expected to grow by 37%, boosting GDP by 0.23% and creating jobs.

Critics – Numerous aspects of the deal have given rise to objections, but two issues stand out: farming and the environment. France is strongly against it since it worries that cheap imports, like poultry and beef, could harm its farmers. Paris has gathered support from other countries, including Poland, Austria, and Ireland (the latter is the fifth-largest beef exporter in the world), to block the deal unless certain conditions are met. The Netherlands and Belgium have only expressed reservations about the deal.

European farmers (particularly from France, Ireland, Belgium and Poland) fear unfair competition, especially from beef, poultry, and sugar imports, which could be produced at lower costs in Mercosur countries, where food safety, animal welfare, and environmental regulations are less stringent. The stricter EU standards make farmers in the EU face higher costs. They also point out that cattle in Mercosur countries may be treated with hormones or chemicals that are banned in the EU. There are also concerns about the possible environmental effects of the deal, especially related to deforestation in the Amazon rainforest because of the higher demand for products like beef and soy.

Middle Ground – Italy stands in the middle, acknowledging potential benefits for industries like automotive, engineering, fashion, and regional foods (e.g. Parmesan cheese). However, there are also concerns regarding the broader economic implications, especially for sectors that could face competition from the Agreement. Remarkably, Italy, as a large EU Member State, could have enough voting power to stop the Agreement or allow it to prosper at the European level. 6.2.  What strategies are being considered to facilitate ratification?

The Commission is examining the opportunity of splitting the EU-Mercosur Agreement into two separate agreements: one covering only the areas of exclusive EU competence and the other covering areas of mixed competence with Member States[5].

In Mercosur’s case, the EU might consider separating the political and cooperation agreement, including issues like labour standards, the environment, and transport, from the main trade agreement that would require only a simple majority for approval. The idea is to approve the parts within the exclusive EU competence, allowing some trade benefits to be enjoyed sooner.

However, splitting the Agreement could weaken the deal’s overall impact and ambition. Also, Mercosur might not agree to splitting the deal and may prefer a single, comprehensive agreement.

7. Conclusions

Mercosur is a dynamic economic bloc, and the EU-Mercosur Agreement represents a significant opportunity for EU and Mercosur companies to expand their business operations in Latin America, respectively Europe.

As a short summary of things, if and when fully ratified, the Agreement will remove over 90% of tariffs between the two regions, offering annual savings of €4 billion, particularly benefiting sectors like automotive, machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. It also encourages investments in infrastructure and sustainable technologies, thereby enhancing competitiveness across various sectors. Finally, the Agreement is also a pioneering deal for sustainability, with commitments to combat climate change, deforestation, and uphold workers’ rights.

In summary, the combination of market access, cost savings, and potential for growth makes investing in Mercosur an attractive option for European companies looking to diversify their operations and capitalize on emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Useful links

Text of the Agreement: link

European Commission website on EU-Mercosur Agreement: link

Questions and answers on the EU-Mercosur Agreement: link

Factsheets and guides on the EU-Mercosur Agreement: link

Sincere gratitude is extended to José María Allonca, Leticia Mariz Schweizer,

Stefano Bianchi, and Chiara Pieraccini for their significant contribution to this informative document

[1] The tariffs are up to 35% on automobiles, 18% on components, 20% on machinery, 18% on chemicals, 14% on pharmaceuticals and 35% on clothing and footwear; in agriculture, up to 28% on dairy products, 25% on beverages and soft drinks, 27% on wines and 20% on confectionery.

[2] For instance, the EU tariffs are, up to 35% on wines, 20% on alcoholic beverages, and compound tariffs equivalent to an ad valorem rate of up to 62% on out-of-quota meat.

[3] Real Instituto Elcano. (2020). Why does Latin America matter? Elcano Royal Institute. Available at: link.

[4] LSE Consulting. (2020). Sustainability Impact Assessment in support of the Association Agreement negotiations between the EU and Mercosur: Final report. London School of Economics and Political Science. Available at: link.

[5] Martin, D., & Ford, G. (2025, January 15). Commission plans for Mercosur deal split may not pass Parliament test. Borderlex. Available at: link.

Mexico’s Digital Transformation: Paving the Way for Investment and Growth

In the digital era, optimizing government processes through information and communication technologies enhances government-citizen interaction, reduces corruption, improves administrative procedures, and drives national and foreign investment.

In this context, Mexico's federal government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, announced the creation of the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency (Agency) in late 2024. Its mission is to modernize and unify the government's technological infrastructure, prioritizing digital transformation and administrative simplification.

As part of this strategy, the National Law for Simplification and Digitalization was introduced in January 2025, aiming to reduce government-procedure wait times by 50% through the digitalization of 80% of citizen services. This initiative not only seeks to enhance government-citizen interactions, but also removes barriers for domestic and foreign investors, aligning with international commitments such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Trade Agreement between United States, México and Canada (USMCA).

José Antonio Peña Merino, head of the Agency stated that this strategy will extend beyond the federal level. Through the National Center for Public Technology, it will be expanded to state and municipal governments, fostering coordination to unify and expand the catalog of digital services nationwide.

National Digital Investment Window: Streamlining Business Establishment in Mexico

As part of this digitalization strategy, the federal government announced the launch of four Strategic National Projects aimed at modernizing and streamlining key procedures across various sectors:

National Civil Registry Platform National Cadastral Platform National Platform of the Public Registry of Property; and; Digital Investment Window

Among these projects, the National Digital Investment Window stands out as a key initiative, aiming to integrate and centralize all necessary procedures for establishing and operating a business in Mexico. This fully digital and interconnected platform, spanning federal, state, and municipal levels, is designed to streamline business incorporation by reducing requirements, shortening processing times, and facilitating the creation of new corporations nationwide.

One of the key features of this platform will be the implementation of single digital files, enabling individuals and companies to manage multiple procedures without repeatedly uploading documents for each process. The Digital Investment Window will support strategic sectors such as tourism, automotive, aerospace, medical devices, energy, textiles and apparel, mining, chemical and petrochemical industry, information technologies and the pharmaceutical.

DataMéxico; Access to information as a key to invest in Mexico.

The digitalization of information and investor access in Mexico is not a recent development. Since mid-2020, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) and the Ministry of Economy have operated DataMéxico, a public platform designed to enhance digital access to key investment data by integrating a wide range of databases on trade, production, employment, education and demography, among others with high spatial resolution at the regional and municipal levels.

Beyond its role in data integration, DataMéxico incorporates a research component aimed at generating specialized analyses and public policy proposals to foster a more productive, diverse, and sophisticated economic structure. This initiative was designed to be developed in collaboration with national and international academic and research institutions, offering in-depth and transparent information to both domestic and foreign investors seeking business opportunities in Mexico.

Similar to other platforms in international markets, DataMéxico is freely accessible and has become an open source for investors assessing opportunities across various industrial sectors in the country. Its continuous updates, along with the implementation of the National Digital Investment Window, underscore the federal government’s commitment to advancing modernization and attracting foreign investment in 2025.

Finally, these initiatives not only enhance strategic decision-making for investors but also reinforce transparency and data integration, solidifying Mexico's position as a more competitive and appealing destination for global investment.

Plan México: President Sheinbaum’s Plan to Reaffirm Mexico's Economic and Industrial Prowess

In January 2025, Mexico´s newly elected President, Claudia Sheinbaum, unveiled the federal government's plan to invigorate investment within the country, as well as promote regional development from 5 key economic spheres: consumer goods, technology, tourism, automotive and energy.

This strategy, dubbed “Plan México”, was received with mixed reviews, being heralded by some as “the most daring industrial policy in the last four to five decades”, while others were less impressed at its seeming omission of labor and union sectors alike. Although even its most staunch critics could recognize its scale and ambition, as well as its significance to the country if actualized to its full potential.

The President placed great emphasis upon assuring Mexican citizens that the country, amidst widespread uncertainty, effectively has a cohesive strategy moving forward, one that aims to position Mexico at the forefront of economic and industrial development on a domestic and international scale.

The Plan itself is spearheaded by a list of 13 goals to be achieved over the course of the following years, namely:

Become the 10th largest economy in the world. Raise the ratio of investment to GDP to over 25%. Generate 1.5 million new jobs, Manufacture 50% of domestic supply and consumption In Mexico in the textile, footwear, furniture and toy sectors. Increase national content by 15%. Ensure that 50% of public procurement comes from national production. Develop vaccines made in Mexico. Reduce investment-related procedures in Mexico from 2.6 years to 1 year. Increase the number of additional professionals and technicians trained annually by 150,000. Promote corporate environmental sustainability. Provide 30% of SMEs with access to financing. Become one of the five most visited countries in the world. Reduce poverty and inequality.

So, what does this mean in terms of investment? The President seems keen on cultivating an impressive investment portfolio for the country. Plan México accounts for investments of up to $227,000,000.00 USD in order to achieve its goal of strengthening the economy and give significant boosts to the industrial sectors.

In recent years, Mexico has proved itself to be an industrial powerhouse, reaching a historic level of manufacturing exports, which during 2023 exceeded the manufacturing exports from China to the United States. “Mexico's victorious rise on the world trading stage and its impact on worldwide trade patterns looks to be a model for policy in this century” according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (2023). Likewise, Mexico has become the most attractive market in the region in terms of advanced facilities, production, and skilled professionals. Industrial parks in Mexico grant investors in the manufacturing, automobile, logistics, and transport industries great advantages as opposed to other countries, having entered into 14 Free Trade Agreements, 30 Reciprocal Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements and 9 Trade Agreements and other international treaties that grant access to 1,350 million potential consumers.

While both the Mexican and American Presidents are currently on amicable terms, having staved off the imposition of tariffs for another month, it is yet to be seen what the next 6 years hold in store for these continental neighbors. Regardless, it seems as though Mexico is prepared to move forward and prioritize its own economic and industrial growth as The Supplier for the North American market.

USMCA’s Impact on Foreign Investment in Mexico: Key Challenges and Strategies

Since coming into effect in 2020, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has reshaped trade and investment dynamics across North America. Replacing NAFTA, the agreement introduced stricter rules of origin and reinforced labor standards, particularly impacting the manufacturing and automotive sectors. By early 2025, these provisions have significantly influenced supply chains, production costs, and labor conditions in Mexico. Additionally, ongoing trade tensions, nearshoring trends, and the upcoming 2026 review of USMCA are shaping the strategic decisions of foreign investors. To remain competitive, businesses must adapt to these new regulatory requirements while navigating evolving market conditions.

Rules of Origin: Supply Chain Adjustments and Compliance Challenges

One of the most significant changes under USMCA is the tightening of rules of origin, particularly in the automotive sector. Vehicles must now meet a 75% regional value content (RVC) requirement, an increase from 62.5% under NAFTA, to qualify for tariff-free trade. Additionally, at least 70% of the steel and aluminum used in production must originate from North America. These rules are designed to strengthen regional manufacturing but have also raised compliance costs and forced supply chain restructuring. For foreign investors, meeting these requirements has meant shifting sourcing strategies, renegotiating supplier contracts, and absorbing higher production costs.

The automotive industry has responded by increasing North American sourcing, investing in regional suppliers, and relocating some production to Mexico, the U.S., or Canada. Meanwhile, other manufacturing sectors, including electronics, aerospace, and machinery, have also reassessed their supply chains to comply with the stricter origin criteria, ensuring uninterrupted trade access under USMCA.

USMCA also introduced groundbreaking labor provisions aimed at improving worker rights and wages, particularly in Mexico. The agreement mandates that 40-45% of a vehicle’s content must be made by workers earning at least $16 per hour, a policy designed to discourage the outsourcing of low-wage jobs. In addition, Mexico committed to labor reforms ensuring independent unions and collective bargaining rights, eliminating employer-dominated unions that had historically controlled negotiations. One of the most significant enforcement tools is the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM), which allows the U.S. and Canada to investigate and impose trade penalties on factories that fail to comply with labor rights.

Since USMCA’s implementation, several labor disputes have triggered RRM investigations, prompting foreign companies operating in Mexico to enhance compliance measures. These new labor requirements have increased wage costs, unionization efforts, and regulatory scrutiny, making it critical for investors to integrate strong labor compliance programs into their operations.

Bottom of Form

Despite these challenges, several multinational corporations have successfully adapted to USMCA’s new requirements. General Motors and Ford have taken significant steps to restructure their supply chains, shifting battery and semiconductor sourcing to North America to meet the RVC threshold. In addition, GM increased wages at its Silao plant in Mexico to comply with labor standards, ensuring smooth operations while avoiding RRM-related disputes. Similarly, in the manufacturing sector, Siemens Mexico has expanded partnerships with North American suppliers, reducing reliance on imports from non-compliant regions. The company has also revised labor policies to align with Mexico’s labor law reforms, strengthening worker protections and reducing legal risks. These proactive measures have enabled these companies to remain compliant while maintaining cost efficiency and market access under USMCA.

Key Takeaways for Foreign Investors

To successfully navigate USMCA’s regulatory landscape, foreign investors must adopt proactive compliance strategies. Conducting thorough supply chain audits is essential to ensure that suppliers meet the updated rules of origin and labor requirements. Additionally, engaging in proactive labor relations—such as ensuring compliance with Mexico’s labor reforms and implementing fair wage policies—will help businesses avoid trade sanctions and operational disruptions.

Given the potential for further modifications to the agreement, legal advisors and trade experts can help investors anticipate regulatory changes and adjust their strategies accordingly. By focusing on regional supply chain integration, strong labor compliance, and regulatory awareness, businesses can mitigate risks and strengthen their competitive position in North America.

USMCA has brought stricter rules of origin and enhanced labor standards, significantly impacting foreign investment in Mexico. While these changes pose compliance challenges, they also present opportunities for companies to enhance regional supply chains, improve labor conditions, and secure long-term trade benefits. As the 2026 USMCA review approaches, continuous adaptation and proactive compliance efforts will be essential for foreign investors seeking sustained success in Mexico’s evolving trade landscape.

L’UE critica la politica tariffaria reciproca degli Stati Uniti – La Commissione Europea ha espresso forte preoccupazione per la proposta del Presidente Trump sulle tariffe "reciproche", ritenendola un ostacolo al commercio globale. L'UE sottolinea di applicare alcune delle tariffe più basse al mondo e considera ingiustificati nuovi dazi statunitensi, che aumenterebbero i costi per consumatori e imprese, rallentando la crescita. Bruxelles ribadisce il proprio impegno per un commercio equo e aperto e avverte che reagirà con fermezza contro eventuali barriere commerciali ingiustificate.

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La Commissione UE presenta il Programma di Lavoro 2025 – Il 12 febbraio, la Commissione Europea ha annunciato il suo programma di lavoro per il 2025, focalizzato su competitività, sicurezza e resilienza economica. Le priorità chiave includono crescita sostenibile, difesa, protezione della democrazia e rafforzamento del modello sociale europeo. Inoltre, la Commissione ha presentato un piano per ridurre gli oneri amministrativi e semplificare le normative UE, con l’obiettivo di migliorare l’attuazione delle regole e favorire imprese e cittadini.

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Colmare il divario dell’innovazione con le infrastrutture Tecnologiche europee – Il 14 febbraio 2025, la Commissione Europea ha pubblicato un rapporto con raccomandazioni per rafforzare le Infrastrutture Tecnologiche (TI), essenziali per l’innovazione di industrie, PMI e startup. Il documento contribuirà alla futura Strategia europea per la ricerca e le infrastrutture tecnologiche, volta a creare un ecosistema competitivo e supportare le transizioni verde e digitale.

Le raccomandazioni chiave includono: una definizione chiara di TI, migliore accesso per le imprese, un meccanismo di investimento per tecnologie strategiche, governance rafforzata e finanziamenti dedicati. Questa iniziativa rientra nell’Agenda ERA 2022-2024 e nelle Conclusioni del Consiglio sulla Valorizzazione della Conoscenza (maggio 2024) per migliorare l’innovazione europea.

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L’UE lancia InvestAI: 200 miliardi per l’intelligenza artificiale – Il 13 febbraio, al vertice sull’AI di Parigi, la Presidente della Commissione Ursula von der Leyen ha annunciato InvestAI, un'iniziativa da 200 miliardi di euro per finanziare lo sviluppo dell’AI in Europa. Tra le misure principali, un nuovo fondo europeo da 20 miliardi per costruire quattro gigafabbriche di AI, strutture avanzate per l’addestramento di modelli complessi in settori chiave come medicina e scienza. Il progetto, una partnership pubblico-privata senza precedenti, mira a garantire l’accesso diffuso alla potenza di calcolo per aziende e ricercatori. InvestAI sarà sostenuto da fondi UE già esistenti, con il coinvolgimento di Stati membri e investitori privati.

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Rafforzare la sicurezza dei medicinali critici in Europa – Il Critical Medicines Alliance Forum, tenutosi il 12 febbraio 2025, ha riunito oltre 300 partecipanti per discutere la resilienza della catena di approvvigionamento dei medicinali critici e le collaborazioni internazionali. L’evento ha presentato la bozza del Rapporto Strategico dell'Alleanza, pubblicata il 30 gennaio 2025, con raccomandazioni per rafforzare la produzione in UE e ampliare le partnership globali. Due panel hanno affrontato temi chiave: il potenziamento della capacità produttiva europea e la cooperazione internazionale. Il rapporto sarà adottato il 25 febbraio 2025 e contribuirà alla preparazione del Critical Medicines Act, rafforzando la sicurezza dell’approvvigionamento in UE.

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Conferenza UE-Lega Araba sulla Cooperazione Giudiziaria contro il Terrorismo – Dal 9 all'11 febbraio 2025, oltre 50 delegati provenienti da 19 Paesi della Lega Araba, dall’UE e dall’UNODC si sono riuniti al Cairo per la prima conferenza ad alto livello sulla cooperazione giudiziaria internazionale nella lotta al terrorismo. L'evento, organizzato nell’ambito del progetto CT JUST, ha rafforzato il dialogo tra le istituzioni e promosso strategie per una collaborazione più efficace. Le discussioni si sono concentrate sul potenziamento della comunicazione diretta tra le autorità giudiziarie, sul miglioramento dei meccanismi di coordinamento e sull’uso di strumenti esistenti come EUROJUST e le Squadre Investigative Comuni. Proseguendo su questa linea, una delegazione della Lega Araba incontrerà EUROJUST all’Aia il 17-18 febbraio 2025 per avviare legami operativi e rafforzare la cooperazione giudiziaria nella lotta al terrorismo.

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Le nuove raccomandazioni dell'EIC Forum chiede all’Europa di accelerare sull’innovazione – L'EIC Forum, in un incontro tenutosi il 6 febbraio 2025, ha presentato le sue raccomandazioni per promuovere l'innovazione e migliorare la competitività europea. Tra i punti salienti: (i) rafforzare l'ecosistema delle startup, (ii) facilitare l'accesso ai capitali di rischio e (iii) semplificare la regolamentazione fiscale. Queste proposte mirano a sostenere la Strategia Startup e Scaleup, e il futuro atto europeo sull'innovazione. Un altro passo fondamentale è la rimozione degli ostacoli legali che frenano le piccole e medie imprese e le startup nell'ambito degli appalti pubblici. Inoltre, il Forum ha sottolineato l'importanza di un sistema uniforme di stock options per i dipendenti. Le raccomandazioni saranno decisive per il futuro delle politiche europee, che si concentreranno sempre più su ricerca, innovazione e competitività.

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Le Donne, la Scienza e l’UE – In occasione della Giornata Internazionale delle Donne e delle Ragazze nella Scienza, l'Unione Europea vuole celebrare i successi delle ricercatrici e sostenere le giovani donne nel campo della ricerca. Nonostante le donne rappresentino il 48% dei dottorati nell'UE, solo un terzo dei ricercatori europei è donna. L'UE sta promuovendo attivamente l'uguaglianza di genere attraverso iniziative come i Piani di Uguaglianza di Genere nelle università e nelle organizzazioni di ricerca, e premiando le istituzioni che si distinguono per i loro risultati. In particolare, il progetto Horizon Europe sta investendo per abbattere le barriere che impediscono alle donne di emergere nelle STEM, promuovendo iniziative innovative e creando una rete di mentori per le ragazze. La scienza ha bisogno della visione delle donne, e l'UE si impegna a far sì che il loro contributo non venga ignorato. 

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Un E-Commerce Sicuro e Sostenibile per l’UE - La Commissione Europea ha lanciato una serie di azioni mirate a contrastare i rischi legati alle importazioni di prodotti a basso valore (sotto i 150€) venduti da rivenditori non UE tramite piattaforme online. Con il numero di pacchi in crescita esponenziale (circa 12 milioni al giorno), la Commissione ha proposto nuove misure per proteggere i consumatori e le imprese europee, come il rafforzamento dei controlli doganali e l’introduzione di sanzioni per i prodotti non conformi. Tra le azioni chiave: (i) l’adozione della riforma dell'Unione Doganale, (ii) misure per la sicurezza dei prodotti e (iii) l’uso di strumenti digitali per monitorare la conformità. Si tratta di un passo fondamentale per garantire un mercato equo, sicuro e sostenibile per tutti.

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Torna il Fondo SME 2025 per le PMI – Il 3 febbraio 2025, la Commissione Europea e l'Ufficio dell'Unione Europea per la Proprietà Intellettuale hanno lanciato il Fondo SME 2025, destinato a supportare le piccole e medie imprese nella protezione dei loro diritti di proprietà intellettuale. Grazie a questo fondo, le PMI possono ricevere fino a €1.500 per la registrazione di brevetti, marchi e design, e fino a €750 per i costi legali. Nel 2024, oltre 23.500 aziende hanno beneficiato di questo aiuto, molte delle quali per la prima volta

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AI per i Servizi Pubblici e la promozione dell’occupazione – Un nuovo rapporto della Rete Europea dei Servizi Pubblici per l'Occupazione (PES Network) esplora come l'Intelligenza Artificiale (AI) può trasformare i servizi per l'impiego, migliorando l'efficienza operativa e l’esperienza degli utenti. Analizzando 34 applicazioni AI in 11 paesi, il rapporto evidenzia come questa possa personalizzare i servizi, migliorare l’incontro tra domanda e offerta di lavoro e rendere più efficienti i processi decisionali, liberando il personale per compiti più complessi. Le raccomandazioni per i professionisti del settore includono l'integrazione dell'AI nei flussi di lavoro e la condivisione delle pratiche migliori per garantire una transizione efficace e sostenibile.

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L'UE aumenta l'uso di carburanti sostenibili per l'aviazione con nuove regole e incentivi – Il 6 febbraio 2025, la Commissione Europea ha adottato un Regolamento per aumentare l'uso di carburanti sostenibili nell'aviazione, finanziato dal sistema di scambio delle emissioni (EU ETS). A partire dal 2024, 20 milioni di quote ETS, pari a circa 1,6 miliardi di euro, saranno riservati per colmare il divario di costo tra i carburanti fossili e quelli alternativi a basse emissioni, incentivando l'adozione di tecnologie più pulite. Le compagnie aeree dovranno riportare l'uso di questi carburanti entro il 31 marzo 2025, con l'assegnazione delle quote prevista per agosto 2025. Questo Regolamento si unisce alle altre iniziative per raggiungere l’obiettivo di ridurre le emissioni del 55% entro il 2030.

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La Commissione Europea chiede pareri su risparmi e investimenti - La Commissione Europea ha avviato una consultazione pubblica per raccogliere opinioni, dati e prove sul progresso dell'Unione dei Risparmi e degli Investimenti (SIU). Questo progetto mira a migliorare i ritorni sui risparmi dei cittadini europei e ad ampliare le opportunità di finanziamento per le imprese, sostenendo la competitività dell'UE. La SIU, che si fonda sul rafforzamento dei mercati finanziari, punta a unire risparmiatori, investitori istituzionali e imprese per promuovere la transizione ecologica e digitale. La Commissione invita tutti gli stakeholder, dalle imprese alla società civile, a contribuire entro il 3 marzo 2023. Le risposte guideranno la strategia finale prevista per il 2025.

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La Commissione Europea lancia una consultazione sul Piano di Resilienza dell'Acqua – La Commissione Europea ha aperto una consultazione per raccogliere opinioni sulla futura Strategia di Resilienza dell'Acqua, un piano cruciale per affrontare le sfide legate all’acqua in Europa. Con l'aumento di alluvioni, siccità e scarsità d'acqua, è necessario un approccio innovativo e cooperativo per proteggere le risorse idriche, migliorare la qualità dell'acqua e promuovere un'economia circolare "acqua-sostenibile". Per dare il proprio contributo ad un'Europa più resiliente all'acqua, è possibile partecipare alla consultazione entro il 4 marzo 2025.

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La Commissione Chiede commenti sulle nuove regole sull'accesso alla giustizia ambientale – La Commissione Europea ha lanciato una consultazione pubblica per raccogliere commenti sulle modifiche alle regole sugli aiuti di Stato, in linea con le raccomandazioni della Convenzione di Aarhus. Le nuove proposte consentiranno ai cittadini di chiedere una revisione delle decisioni sugli aiuti di Stato che potrebbero violare la legge ambientale dell'UE. Il processo di revisione interna sarà più accessibile, con regole chiare su chi può fare la richiesta e le scadenze. Le parti interessate hanno tempo fino al 21 marzo 2025 per partecipare.  

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Piano nazionale di ripresa e resilienza – Fondo per il sostegno alla transizione industriale

Nuove domande a partire dal 5 febbraio 2025

Il Fondo per il sostegno alla transizione industriale ha l’obiettivo di favorire l’adeguamento del sistema produttivo italiano alle politiche dell’Unione europea sulla lotta ai cambiamenti climatici.

L’operatività del Fondo è disciplinata dal decreto ministeriale 21 ottobre 2022 del Ministro dello sviluppo economico, di concerto con il ministro dell’economia e delle finanze e con il Ministro della transizione ecologica.

Il decreto direttoriale del 23 dicembre 2024 definisce termini e modalità di presentazione delle domande attraverso l’apertura di uno sportello finalizzato al sostegno di programmi di investimento per la tutela ambientale con una dotazione iniziale di 400 milioni di euro operante attraverso una procedura valutativa a graduatoria atta a determinare l’ordine di ammissione alle valutazioni istruttorie delle domande presentate. Rispetto alla dotazione finanziaria, il 40% delle risorse è destinato al finanziamento di progetti da realizzare nelle Regioni Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardegna e Sicilia, il 50% delle risorse è riservata alle imprese energivore.

Le istanze per l’accesso alle risorse potranno essere presentate a partire dalle ore 12.00 del giorno 5 febbraio 2025 e fino alle ore 12.00 del giorno 8 aprile 2025.

Le domande saranno avviate alla fase di valutazione istruttoria secondo l’ordine conseguito in graduatoria e, in caso di esito positivo, saranno ammesse alle agevolazioni fino a concorrenza delle risorse disponibili.

Le agevolazioni sono concesse nella forma del contributo a fondo perduto che può variare dal 30 al 50 per cento nel rispetto dei limiti delle intensità massime di aiuto previste dal Regolamento GBER e dalla sezione 2.6 – Aiuti a favore della decarbonizzazione del “Quadro temporaneo” (decisione della Commissione europea C (2024) 5008 FINAL concernente il Quadro temporaneo di crisi e transizione per misure di aiuto di Stato a sostegno dell’economia a seguito dell’aggressione della Russia contro l’Ucraina).

I programmi di investimento devono riguardare una sola unità produttiva dell’impresa proponente, e devono perseguire almeno una delle seguenti finalità:

una maggiore efficienza energetica nell’esecuzione dell’attività d’impresa; un uso efficiente delle risorse, attraverso una riduzione dell’utilizzo delle stesse anche tramite il riuso, il riciclo o il recupero di materie prime e/o l’uso di materie prime riciclate.

I programmi di investimento devono essere volti al perseguimento, in via esclusiva, di un miglioramento in termini di tutela ambientale dei processi aziendali. Non sono ammessi interventi che determinano un aumento della capacità produttiva, fatti salvi gli aumenti derivanti da esigenze tecniche, qualora non superiori al 20 per cento rispetto alla situazione precedente all’intervento. Per gli aiuti concessi a valere sul Quadro temporaneo, gli aumenti devono essere di dimensione non superiore al 2% (due percento) rispetto alla situazione precedente.

I suddetti programmi devono essere avviati successivamente alla presentazione della domanda di accesso al Fondo, prevedere spese complessive ammissibili di importo compreso tra 3 milioni di euro e 20 milioni di euro ed essere realizzati entro 36 mesi dalla data di concessione del contributo (con una eventuale proroga del termine di ultimazione del programma non superiore a 12 mesi). Entro tale termine dovrà intervenire anche l’entrata in funzione e la piena operatività degli investimenti oggetto dei programmi di sviluppo agevolato.

Modifiche alla disciplina dei Contratti di sviluppo e risorse “Zona ZES”

Il  decreto del Ministero delle Imprese e del Made in Italy aggiorna la normativa vigente e ottimizza l’impiego delle risorse pubbliche

Con l’adozione del Decreto 6 novembre 2024 il Ministero delle Imprese e del Made in Italy ha apportato delle modifiche alla vigente disciplina dei Contratti di sviluppo di cui al DM 9 dicembre 2014.

La modifica normativa si è resa necessaria per garantire un utilizzo più efficiente delle risorse pubbliche, anche mediante una più precisa definizione dei programmi di sviluppo delle attività turistiche e una revisione delle agevolazioni previste per il settore agroindustriale.

Nello specifico, il provvedimento introduce alcune modifiche riguardanti: (i) la disciplina dei Contratti di sviluppo turistici e agroindustriali e (ii) le modalità di intervento in favore dei progetti di ricerca e sviluppo.

Con le modifiche alla disciplina dei Contratti di sviluppo turistici è stata introdotta  una categorizzazione tipologica dei programmi ammissibili, precedentemente assente, con l’individuazione specifica delle categorie di interventi prioritari che influenzano l’offerta ricettiva in senso stretto, sia sotto il profilo quantitativo che qualitativo.

Tra questi rientrano gli interventi finalizzati:

al potenziamento e/o miglioramento dell’offerta ricettiva, ossia: la realizzazione di nuove strutture ricettive; l’ampliamento di strutture ricettive esistenti, a condizione che il progetto d’investimento comporti un incremento della capacità ricettiva non inferiore al 20% rispetto alla situazione esistente; l’incremento della qualità dell’offerta ricettiva; l’integrazione, nell’ambito di strutture ricettive esistenti, di nuovi servizi annessi volti al miglioramento dell’offerta turistica (con servizi che tengano conto anche della destagionalizzazione) al potenziamento e/o al miglioramento di strutture polifunzionali e di strutture in grado di incrementare sensibilmente il livello di attrattività turistica e di caratterizzazione dei territori di riferimento, quali ad esempio impianti di risalita, attività connesse a comprensori sciistici, porti turistici, parchi tematici e acquatici, stabilimenti termali.

Riguardo le modifiche alla disciplina dei Contratti di sviluppo agroindustriali si prevede un’estensione della disciplina che con le nuove disposizioni comprende:

l’applicazione del concetto di “grande progetto di investimento”, ossia quei progetti con spese di oltre 50 milioni di euro, per i quali la disciplina prevede una progressiva riduzione del tasso di contribuzione spettante in scaglioni di investimenti (100% dell’intensità riconoscibile sui primi 55 milioni di euro, 50% sugli investimenti compresi tra 55 milioni e 110 milioni di euro, 34% previa notifica individuale sugli investimenti oltre 110 milioni); l’applicazione del principio “di consolidamento degli investimenti”, in base al quale i progetti di investimento avviati dallo stesso beneficiario, nell’ambito della stessa unità produttiva entro un periodo di tre anni dalla data di avvio relativa a un altro investimento sovvenzionato, sono considerati parte di un unico progetto di investimento.

Con riferimento alle modifiche alla disciplina delle modalità di intervento in favore di progetti di ricerca e sviluppo si è provveduto ad aggiornare l’elenco delle tecnologie ammissibili in conformità con gli obiettivi del programma “Horizon Europe”.

Le suddette tecnologie sono adesso declinate in 18 categorie, di cui sono delineate le c.d. linee generali: Le suddette tecnologie sono adesso declinate in 18 categorie, di cui sono delineate le c.d. linee generali: • tecnologie di fabbricazione; • tecnologie digitali fondamentali, comprese tecnologie quantistiche; • tecnologie abilitanti emergenti; • materiali avanzati; • intelligenza artificiale e robotica; • industrie circolari; • industria pulita a basse emissioni di carbonio; • malattie rare e non trasmissibili; • malattie infettive comprese malattie trascurate e legate alla povertà; • strumenti, tecnologie e soluzioni digitali per la salute e l’assistenza, compresa la medicina personalizzata; • impianti industriali nella transizione energetica; • competitività industriale nel settore dei trasporti; • mobilità e trasporti puliti, sicuri e accessibili; • mobilità intelligente; • stoccaggio dell’energia; • sistemi alimentari; • sistemi di bioinnovazione nella bioeconomia dell’Unione; • sistemi circolari.

La modifica normativa coincide con la direttiva del 25 ottobre 2024 del Ministero delle Imprese che definisce le aree tematiche e gli indirizzi operativi per l’utilizzo delle risorse del Fondo per lo Sviluppo e la Coesione, programmazione 2021-2027, destinate alla sottoscrizione di Contratti di sviluppo nella Zona Economica Speciale (ZES Unica), comprendente i territori delle Regioni Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sicilia e Sardegna.

La direttiva definisce la modalità di utilizzo della dotazione finanziaria aggiuntiva, risorse che ammontano a 250 milioni di euro: di questi, 200 milioni di euro sono destinati al finanziamento di programmi di sviluppo industriale e di programmi per la tutela ambientale e i restanti 50 milioni di euro sono allocati per programmi di sviluppo di attività turistiche.

La Commissione Europea presenta la Bussola per la Competitività (EU Competitiveness Compass) – Il 29 gennaio, la Commissione Europea ha svelato la Bussola per la Competitività, un piano strategico per rilanciare l’economia dell’UE nei prossimi cinque anni e colmare il divario con Stati Uniti e Cina. Basato sul rapporto di Mario Draghi, il piano si articola su tre pilastri: innovazione e produttività, decarbonizzazione e competitività, resilienza e sicurezza economica. Tra le iniziative chiave, la Commissione prevede una Strategia per l’Intelligenza Artificiale, nuovi strumenti finanziari per sostenere il capitale di rischio e un Piano d’Azione per l’Energia Accessibile per ridurre i costi energetici. Sarà avviato anche un ampio processo di semplificazione normativa, con una prima proposta omnibus attesa il mese prossimo. Nonostante l’impegno a mantenere il Green Deal centrale nelle politiche europee, alcune misure, come la revisione delle regole sulle emissioni per l’industria automobilistica e la semplificazione della tassa sul carbonio, hanno sollevato perplessità tra gli ambientalisti. Resta inoltre aperta la questione della copertura finanziaria, ma la Presidente della Commissione ha assicurato che il rilancio economico passerà attraverso investimenti mirati e riforme strutturali. Nei prossimi mesi, il pacchetto sarà ulteriormente dettagliato e affinato attraverso consultazioni, modifiche e nuove proposte.

Link per maggiori informazioni Link al documento: EU Competitiveness Compass

L'UE pronta ad ascoltare l'industria automobilistica – La Commissione Europea lancerà il 30 gennaio un Dialogo Strategico con l'industria automobilistica europea, i partner sociali e i principali portatori di interessi. L'industria automobilistica impiega oltre 13 milioni di persone e contribuisce circa al 7% del PIL dell'UE. Tuttavia, si sono sviluppati molti fattori che stanno mettendo a dura prova i costruttori automobilistici europei. Grandi trasformazioni sono state e saranno indotte dalla digitalizzazione, dalla decarbonizzazione, da una maggiore concorrenza e da un panorama geopolitico in evoluzione. L’iniziativa della Commissione sottolinea l'impegno dell’UE per garantire il futuro e la competitività di un settore cruciale per la prosperità europea, perseguendo al contempo obiettivi climatici e sociali più ampi. Il Dialogo Strategico sarà presieduto dalla Presidente von der Leyen e si articolerà in incontri regolari. I relativi dibattiti saranno tenuti in considerazione dal Commissario Tzitzikostas, incaricato di sviluppare un piano d'azione per il settore.

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Elezioni “scontate”? Il botta e risposta tra Bielorussia e UE – Dal 2020, la Bielorussia è stata teatro di massicce proteste contro il regime di Alexander Lukashenko, accusato di brogli elettorali e repressione dei diritti umani. Il 26 gennaio 2025, quello che è stato definito "l'ultimo dittatore d'Europa" ha nuovamente vinto le elezioni con l'86,8% dei voti. Lo stesso girono, l’Alto Rappresentante dell'Unione Europea, Kaja Kallas, e la Commissaria per l'Allargamento, Marta Kos, hanno condannato fermamente il processo elettorale, definendolo "né libero né equo" e ribadendo il diritto del popolo bielorusso di scegliere democraticamente i propri leader. Hanno anche richiamato l'attenzione sull'impossibilità di un monitoraggio adeguato da parte dell'Ufficio per le istituzioni democratiche e i diritti umani, sul numero crescente di prigionieri politici e sul coinvolgimento del regime bielorusso nella guerra di aggressione russa contro l'Ucraina. Per questi motivi, i rappresentati dell'UE hanno anche riconfermato misure restrittive e mirante contro il regime. La reazione di Lukashenko non si è fatta attendere: "Non me ne frega niente dell'Occidente".

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Bruxelles proroga le sanzioni e punta sui dazi: nuova stretta su Russia e Bielorussia – Il 28 gennaio la Commissione Europea ha proposto l’introduzione di dazi sui fertilizzanti e sui prodotti agricoli provenienti da Russia e Bielorussia, con un duplice obiettivo: colpire l’economia di guerra di Mosca e rafforzare l’industria europea dei fertilizzanti che è in difficoltà. La misura riguarda il 15% delle importazioni agricole russe del 2023 che finora non erano state toccate dagli aumenti delle tariffe. Il transito di fertilizzanti e prodotti agricoli verso Paesi terzi resterà invece invariato. Questa mossa è simile a una sanzione ma non richiede il consenso unanime degli Stati membri, rendendola più facilmente attuabile. Nel frattempo, il 27 febbraio, nonostante le minacce di veto da parte dell'Ungheria, il Consiglio "Affari esteri" dell’UE si è riunito per discutere il 16° pacchetto di sanzioni contro Mosca. L’incontro si è concluso con la proroga fino al 31 luglio 2025 delle misure restrittive già in vigore. Tuttavia, Kiev non è riuscita a ottenere ciò che sperava: il divieto di acquisto del gas russo, una questione ancora controversa all’interno dell’Unione.

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GECO 2024: La corsa contro il tempo per un futuro climatico sostenibile – Il rapporto "Global Climate and Energy Outlook (GECO) 2024", pubblicato il 29 gennaio, sottolinea che le economie più grandi del mondo, i paesi del G20, non sono sulla buona strada per limitare il riscaldamento globale a meno di 2°C entro la fine del secolo, come previsto dall'Accordo di Parigi. Attualmente, le politiche nazionali e gli impegni a lungo termine sono insufficienti per limitare l’aumento delle temperature a 1.5°C, con una proiezione di un aumento della temperatura media globale di 2.6°C entro il 2100. Per raggiungere l'obiettivo di 1.5°C, secondo lo studio sarebbe necessario ridurre le emissioni di gas serra del 56% entro il 2035, con un progressivo calo fino al 90% entro il 2050. Il report servirà all'Unione Europea per continuare a guidare il cambiamento con politiche ambiziose, ma è chiaro nel sostenere che un futuro sostenibile è ancora possibile, ma solo se agiamo rapidamente.

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L’UE Lancia la Missione ISOS per uno spazio sostenibile – Il 28 gennaio 2025, la Commissione Europea e cinque Stati membri (Francia, Germania, Lussemburgo, Portogallo e Spagna) hanno firmato una dichiarazione congiunta per avviare la Missione Pilota In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS). L’obiettivo di questa missione è migliorare la sostenibilità delle infrastrutture spaziali, dimostrando la fattibilità di operazioni come manutenzione, aggiornamenti, assemblaggio e rimozione di satelliti. Questa iniziativa rientra nella volontà dell'UE di inaugurare una "nuova era di governance spaziale", con l'intento di regolamentare lo spazio e rafforzare la sua competitività contro potenze come Russia, Cina e Stati Uniti.

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L'ESA Lancia il Bando per Sostenere il Futuro del Trasporto Intermodale – Il 17 febbraio, l'Agenzia Spaziale Europea (ESA) aprirà un bando per proposte riguardante il tema "Spazio per il Trasporto Intermodale". Questa opportunità di finanziamento è destinata ai team europei interessati a sviluppare servizi e applicazioni spaziali sostenibili per il trasporto intermodale, che comprende sia il trasporto merci che quello passeggeri. Il bando accetterà proposte per Studi di Fattibilità e Progetti Dimostrativi. I servizi proposti devono fare uso di dati satellitari o tecnologie spaziali per migliorare e ottimizzare il trasporto intermodale.

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Bando per la decarbonizzazione del settore marittimo, attenzione sui porti – È stato lanciato il terzo pilastro del bando tematico "Decarbonizzazione Marittima" - "Decarbonizzazione dei Porti". L'obiettivo di questa sotto-tematica è sviluppare nuovi servizi a supporto della decarbonizzazione del settore marittimo, con particolare attenzione agli ecosistemi portuali. Il bando copre i seguenti temi, anche se i partecipanti sono incoraggiati a proporre servizi aggiuntivi non menzionati che contribuiscano alla decarbonizzazione degli ecosistemi portuali: (i) Digitalizzazione e miglioramento dell’efficienza; (ii) Integrazione delle energie rinnovabili; (iii) Elettrificazione verde e energia da terra; (iv) Autonomia dei veicoli portuali; (v) Monitoraggio delle emissioni. La scadenza per la presentazione delle proposte è il 15 febbraio 2025.

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Consultazione Pubblica UE. Politica Comune della Pesca sotto valutazione – La Commissione Europea ha aperto una consultazione pubblica per raccogliere prove, opinioni, preoccupazioni, idee e feedback sull'efficacia del Regolamento (EU) n. 1380/2013 della Politica Comune della Pesca (PCP). Tale Regolamento prevede un insieme di norme per gestire in modo sostenibile la pesca e le risorse ittiche. La valutazione attuale mira ad esaminare l'impatto del Regolamento sulla conservazione delle risorse biologiche marine e sulla gestione delle flotte di pesca. Verrà analizzato anche l'effetto della politica sulla catena di approvvigionamento, sui consumatori e sulle autorità pubbliche negli Stati membri dell'UE dal 2014 al 2024. La consultazione sarà aperta a chiunque voglia dare il suo contributo fino al 21 aprile 2025 e rappresenta il passo successivo dopo la chiamata a raccolta di evidenze, avviata il 20 giugno 2024, che ha ricevuto 87 risposte.

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On 11 September 2024, the European Commission published the State of the Energy Union report which describes how the EU has managed unprecedented challenges in the energy policy landscape during this Commission's mandate, equipping the EU with a regulatory framework for pursuing the clean energy transition and laying the foundations for renewed economic growth and competitiveness.

Key legislative updates in the EU energy sector

The European Union has recently taken significant steps in its energy legislation to support its climate neutrality objectives for 2050 and emission reduction targets for 2030. The following legislative measures have been introduced or entered into force:

Renewable Energy Directive (RED): Enhancements to the RED focus on increasing the share of renewable energy sources, streamlining permitting processes, and integrating renewables into the EU energy grid Energy Efficiency Directive (EED): Stricter requirements for energy consumption reduction across member states, promoting sustainable practices and efficient use of energy. Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD): Mandates to improve energy efficiency in the building sector, with targets for new constructions and renovations. Hydrogen and Decarbonised Gas Markets Package: Comprehensive regulations to facilitate the adoption of hydrogen and other low-carbon gases. Methane Emissions Regulation: A groundbreaking regulation to monitor and reduce methane emissions in the energy sector. Electricity Market Design Reform (in detail on pages 6-7): Aims to create a more resilient and consumer friendly energy market while ensuring security of supply.

Extension of the Emissions Trading System (ETS): Inclusion of new sectors and tightened caps to strengthen the EU’s carbon pricing mechanism.

Achievements in 2024:

Record Renewable Installations: In 2023, the EU installed 56 GW of new solar capacity, with renewables accounting for 50% of electricity generation in the first half of 2024. Reduced Dependency on Russian Energy: Imports of Russian gas have fallen from 45% of total EU imports in 2021 to 18% by mid-2024. Similar reductions have been achieved for coal and oil imports. Progress in Energy Security: Gas storage reached a record 90% capacity by mid-August 2024, ensuring resilience for winter energy demands.

Key Achievements Under the Fit-for-55 and REPowerEU Plans:

Energy Efficiency Gains: Primary energy consumption has declined, moving closer to the 2030 targets. Decarbonisation Milestones: The EU’s greenhouse gas emissions are 32.5% lower than 1990 levels, and the Emissions Trading System (ETS) has expanded to include maritime transport. Renewable Energy Expansion: Wind and solar energy installations have surged, with wind surpassing gas generation as the second largest electricity source after nuclear. Diversification of Energy Imports: Norway and the U.S. have become the EU’s largest suppliers of pipeline and LNG gas, respectively, replacing Russian imports. Support for Clean Energy Technologies: Initiatives like the European Solar PV Industry Alliance and the European Industrial Alliance on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) have been launched to strengthen the clean energy sector.

Economic and Employment Benefits

Job Creation: REPowerEU targets are projected to create over 3.5 million jobs by 2030, emphasizing the economic opportunities in the energy transition. Competitiveness: The Net-Zero Industry Act and Critical Raw Materials Act aim to ensure resilient supply chains and support for European manufacturers in the global clean energy market.

Challenges and Future Steps

Addressing Ambition Gaps: More robust measures are required to meet the 2030 renewable energy and efficiency targets. Energy Poverty: Tackling high energy costs remains a priority, with targeted interventions to shield vulnerable populations. Grid Modernization: The Grids Action Plan addresses challenges in expanding and digitalizing electricity infrastructure across the EU.

EU Initiatives to Watch

European Hydrogen Bank: Supporting hydrogen investments and market development with new auctions and funding mechanisms. Aggregate EU Platform: A permanent tool for joint purchasing of natural gas and strategic commodities, enhancing energy security. European Net-Zero Academies: Providing workforce training in renewable energy, hydrogen, and other key sectors. Expansion of LNG Infrastructure: New terminals and expansion projects have increased the EU’s LNG import capacity, improving energy security. European Renewable Energy Auctions Platform: A new platform to consolidate information on planned renewable energy auctions across the EU, streamlining investments in the sector.

17 January was the deadline for EU member states to transpose the new electricity market design rules into national law. These rules have been created to tackle rising energy prices. They aim to make energy prices more stable and predictable for consumers and less dependent on the price of fossil fuels.

Member States were required to take national measures to:

Energy costs which are more reflective of (cheaper) renewable energy and also more predictable. Wider choice of consumer contracts and clearer information before signing contracts. Option to lock in secure, long-term prices.  Dynamic pricing contracts, if needed, to take advantage of price variability to use electricity when it is cheaper. Protection from being without electricity through the establishment of suppliers of last resort.  Protection from disconnection for those who are vulnerable or energy poor. More opportunities for energy sharing, for example, tenants will be able to share surplus rooftop solar power with a neighbour.

According to EUR-Lex, the vast majority of EU member states have failed to transpose the New Market Design Directive into national law.

On 23 January during the World economic forum in Davos a new Global Energy transition Forum was launched by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen along with international partners with the objective of reaching for ambitious climate targets at world level and supporting countries for whom the clean transition is more challenging.

The forum aims to: Maintain momentum on global energy agreements and integrate these targets into new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of the COP. Transform these targets into concrete projects that benefit people, such as bringing power to underserved communities and scaling up clean energy globally. Unlock more investment through smart finance, de-risking tools, blended finance, and other creative solutions to attract private capital. President von der Leyen highlighted the unprecedented levels of world spending on clean energy. “Last year alone, global spending on clean energy hit a record USD 2 trillion. For every dollar invested in fossil fuels, you had two dollars invested in renewable energy. In the power sector, clean energy investments outnumber fossil fuels ten to one. This is a shift we have been working towards for years,” she remarked. Challenges: Despite progress, regions like Africa still struggle to benefit from the clean energy transition, receiving only 2% of clean energy investment despite having 60% of the world’s best solar resources. Scaling Up Manufacturing: The forum also focuses on scaling up manufacturing to improve grids and storage capacity, requiring massive investment that no single company or country can undertake alone. The President concluded saying: “I want to be very clear with my message: Europe stays the course and we stand ready to work with all global actors to accelerate the transition to clean energy.”

The European Commission has published a new study that provides an in-depth look at the state of net-zero technology manufacturing across the EU. The study highlights advancements in key sectors such as wind, solar, batteries, carbon capture, and heat pumps. It aims to fill data gaps and offer a reliable assessment of the manufacturing capacities for these technologies in all 27 EU countries.

Key findings include:

1. Manufacturing Capacity: A detailed mapping of the current manufacturing capabilities for net-zero technologies in each EU country. 2. Policies and Incentives: Analysis of the national policies and incentives that support the growth of manufacturing capacities. This includes regulatory frameworks, investment incentives, and skills development programs. 3. Challenges and Opportunities: Identification of bottlenecks in the manufacturing process and potential opportunities to increase production capacity. The study also highlights best practices in policy frameworks and notes that nearly three-quarters of EU countries have introduced incentive programs to boost investments in net-zero technology manufacturing. At the EU level, the Net-Zero Industry Act aims to enhance manufacturing capacity by addressing barriers to scaling up production in Europe. The report and its summary can be found here: The net-zero manufacturing industry landscape across the Member States European Commission.

The European Commission recognizes the importance of involving young people in policymaking processes and ensuring they are well-informed and actively participating in the energy transition.

Youth Involvement: The European Commission aims to enhance youth participation in energy policy discussions, recognizing that 67% of young people see EU actions impacting their daily lives. Employment and Skills: The renewable energy sector is growing, with significant job opportunities expected. By 2030, 3.5 million new jobs will be needed, particularly in wind and photovoltaic sectors. Education and Awareness: The Commission is stepping up its efforts to provide information and tools for young people to get involved in the energy sector and to remove barriers such as lack of information and relevant curricula. Young Energy Ambassadors: Launched in 2023, this program selects 30 young people annually to promote engagement and awareness about EU energy policies. Educational Initiatives: The ‘Back to School’ initiative and e-learning content on the EU Academy website aim to educate students about energy, climate, and environment issues.

The Commission, the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) and the Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI) have launched a survey on enhancing regulatory environments for stakeholder engagement in electricity infrastructure projects in the EU, under the EU’s Pact for Engagement.  The survey will be open for 4 weeks, i.e. until 23 February 2025.

Purpose: To understand practices, opportunities, challenges, and enabling conditions related to regulatory and legal frameworks of stakeholder engagement. Target Audience: Grid operators across Europe (TSOs and DSOs) and National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs). Outcome: Results will contribute to enhanced regulatory environments and will be presented at the 11th Energy Infrastructure Forum in June 2025 and at the Pact for Engagement Stakeholder Meetings. Survey link: EUSurvey – Survey.