As Europe recalibrates its sustainability agenda, the implications for the labels and specialist packaging industry are profound. At FINAT European Label Forum (ELF) 2026, one keynote session stands out for anyone navigating this shifting landscape.

“Keeping the Course: climate ambition, competitiveness and the level playing field in Europe” will be delivered by Diederik Samsom, a name that carries significant weight in European climate policy circles. As former Head of Cabinet to EU Commissioner Frans Timmermans and one of the key architects of the European Green Deal (now called the Clean Industrial Deal), Samsom brings a rare insider perspective on how policy is shaped and where it is heading next.

For many in the industry, recent years have felt like a regulatory whirlwind. From PPWR and EUDR to CSRD, alongside increasing demands for carbon footprint transparency, businesses have been pushed to adapt at pace. But as Samsom has highlighted in his recent reflections, the conversation in Brussels is evolving. While climate ambition remains critical, there is growing political pressure to safeguard Europe’s industrial competitiveness in a complex geopolitical environment.

This shift is already visible in the European Commission’s emerging “Omnibus” approach, which may streamline, delay, or soften elements of existing legislation. As Samsom has noted, this raises a crucial dilemma: how to maintain momentum on decarbonisation while ensuring a fair playing field, especially for companies that have already invested heavily in compliance.

At the ELF 2026, expect a candid and strategic outlook. Samsom will not only unpack what these changes mean in practice, but also challenge industry leaders to think ahead: What should businesses be asking policymakers today? And how can our sector stay resilient, competitive, and aligned with long-term climate goals?

If your organisation is navigating regulatory uncertainty while striving for sustainable growth, this is a session you won’t want to miss. Register now for FINAT ELF 2026 and be part of the conversation shaping the future of our industry.