Euroopan terässektori on treffannut EU-johtoa, tärkeiden asioiden äärellä…
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EUROMETAL emphasized that fair competition remains crucial for the steelmaking sector. However, considering the 7.4 million people employed in the manufacturing of steel and metal-based products in the EU, it is equally important to create a level playing field for this sector. This can be achieved by extending protective measures to semi-finished and finished products, which currently enter the EU without any barriers. Given Europe’s position between the USA and China, supporting EU distribution, processing, and manufacturing is even more essential to foster innovation and establish a foundation for sustainable industrial activities.
In a subsequent discussion with European Commissioners, EUROMETAL also reiterated its desire to actively participate in a CBAM working group. This initiative would help the European Commission ensure that regulations are feasible for EU declarants, thereby maintaining a reliable service for the EU steel-using industry.
“The European steel industry faces unique, existential challenges that need to be addressed urgently”, said Axel Eggert, Director General of the European Steel Association (EUROFER). “We are grateful that the Commission – at the very highest level – not only recognises these challenges but wants to work with our industry to find the right solutions. We’re looking forward to seeing these solutions reflected in proposals and legislation, starting with the forthcoming Steel Action Plan and the revision of the EU steel safeguards by 1st April”, he added.
EUROFER has consistently advocated for immediate and robust action in four priority areas:Trade: Tighten the current safeguard measures to align them with today’s market reality, develop a more robust and comprehensive tariffication regime to stop the spill-over effects of global steel overcapacity before the safeguards expire in June 2026, and ensure the assertive and effective enforcement of EU trade defence instruments.
CBAM: Ensure a watertight Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism that prevents circumvention, resource shuffling and carbon leakage, while preserving the competitiveness of EU steel exports and discouraging the relocation of manufacturing value chains outside the EU.
Energy: Deliver affordable clean energy by passing the benefits of renewable and low-carbon electricity to consumers and ensuring industry’s competitiveness.
Ferrous scrap: Retain this valuable yet scarce resource in Europe to support circular economy targets, industrial decarbonisation, strategic autonomy and energy security.
“Across Europe, jobs and steel capacity are being lost, and decarbonisation investments are paused, while U.S. tariffs are looming. The time for half-measures is over. Building on the positive momentum from today’s Strategic Dialogue, we call on EU policymakers to stand up for European steel and rise to the historical challenge of preserving a strategic sector for Europe’s future and a key pillar of the European project", concluded Mr. Eggert.
