The European Commission's Clean Industrial Deal (CID) is a comprehensive strategy designed to enhance the industrial competitiveness of the European Union while simultaneously decarbonizing its industry. This initiative, part of the broader Green Deal framework, outlines flagship actions for 2025 and 2026, with a particular focus on the automotive sector. The CID pledges a significant amount of funding (€150 billion) to support clean technology research, innovation, and supply chains. Notably, €600 million will be allocated to battery production research and innovation, aiming to bolster the manufacturing of EV batteries in Europe and reduce dependency on imported critical raw materials. Circularity plays a vital role in the CID strategy, promoting the adoption of a Circular Economy Act to facilitate recycling and reduce the need for critical raw material imports. Additionally, the CID emphasizes the importance of sustainability criteria and due diligence requirements to ensure the environmental and social benefits of clean technology supply chains. The CID also focuses on job creation potential, introducing initiatives like the Quality Jobs Roadmap and the European Fair Transition Observatory. By supporting the re-skilling and up-skilling of the EU workforce, the CID aims to create a Union of Skills to meet the demands of a transitioning industry. In the automotive sector, the CID's funding from the Industrial Decarbonization Bank will aid in the decarbonization of steel production, a significant source of emissions in vehicle manufacturing. The CID recognizes the potential of green hydrogen-based production in reducing steel emissions and highlights the importance of technological pathways for sustainable steel production. Overall, the CID's positive sentiment towards hydrogen technologies, clean energy, job creation, and sustainable industrial practices positions it as a pivotal strategy for driving the EU's industrial transition towards a greener future.