SEA Europe has launched a weekly newsletter dedicated to its advocacy work on behalf of the shipbuilding and marine equipment industry at European Union level, entitled “Weekly EU Advocacy Update”, to be sent to members every Monday. Its aim is to keep companies up to date with the latest EU policy developments relevant to the sector and to facilitate the coordination of advocacy efforts.
The 26 October 2026 edition reviews SEA Europe’s priority advocacy files, upcoming legislative milestones and the actions requiring member involvement.
EU ETS Review. Following the publication of the ENVI amendments, all ten SEA Europe recommendations have been taken up by MEPs, with support from both the EPP and S&D groups. Negotiations on compromise amendments are already under way, and SEA Europe urges members to contact their national MEPs without delay, particularly those sitting on the ENVI Committee, to secure their support. The indicative timeline foresees the ENVI vote on 1 December 2026 and the European Parliament plenary vote on 14–18 December 2026.
Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA). The file is on hold pending clarification of the position at the extraordinary SEA Europe Board meeting on 28 October, convened after a very tight vote among members on the definition of European preference. SEA Europe will clarify its internal position before pursuing further advocacy on this issue.
Public Procurement Regulation. The Secretariat will prepare a draft position paper with recommendations for amendments; the European preference aspects remain on hold until SEA Europe agrees its position on the IAA.
EMFAF amendment. SEA Europe has finalised its recommendations to the co-legislators and will reach out to the rapporteur and shadow rapporteurs once appointed. Members are invited to promote the recommendations with their Member States.
Economic security and trade defence. The Secretariat has prepared a position paper building on existing SEA Europe positions and will engage with DG TRADE on this basis, including by requesting a meeting with the Director-General.
European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). On 21 October, European Parliament negotiators reached a provisional agreement that would raise the proposed budget to EUR 264.35 billion, compared with EUR 234 billion in the Commission proposal, and introduces a European preference mechanism to be applied by the Commission on a case-by-case basis. The ITRE committee vote is scheduled for 10 November 2026.
EU Arctic Strategy. SEA Naval will prepare a draft position paper on the EU Arctic Strategy, focusing in particular on defence and security considerations; input from all interested members is welcome.
SEA Europe members are encouraged to keep the Secretariat informed of relevant national developments or contacts with EU policymakers.
Source: SEA Europe – Public Affairs Working Group, “Weekly EU Advocacy Update”, 26 October 2026. Photo: European Commission headquarters, the Berlaymont building, Brussels – EmDee, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.