Impact of the EU-India trade agreement on the European ceramics industry

Priority question for written answer P-000406/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dariusz Joński (PPE)

In connection with the ongoing work on the EU-India trade agreement, I would like to ask about the agreement's impact on the European ceramics industry, which is a key and strategic industry in many Member States.

Even under current trade conditions, with relatively low customs duties, the competitiveness of European ceramics producers is significantly weakened. This is due, among other things, to substantial differences in energy costs, labour costs, environmental standards and regulatory requirements for companies in the EU. In practice, it means that European companies operate under significantly higher burdens than their potential Indian competitors.

The introduction of further trade liberalisation under the EU-India agreement, without adequate safeguards, could lead to a loss of competitiveness for many European ceramics companies, resulting in job losses, regional deindustrialisation and a weakening of the EU's strategic industrial autonomy.

In the light of the above, I would like to ask the following:

• 1.Is it envisaged that the EU-India agreement under negotiation will include specific safeguard clauses or safeguard mechanisms for the ceramics industry?
• 2.Has the Commission carried out, or is it planning to carry out, a detailed assessment of the impact of this agreement on the ceramics sector in the EU?
• 3.How does the Commission intend to ensure a level playing field for European producers given the differences in production standards and operating costs?

Submitted: 2.2.2026