Posted on 28 Nov 2024
The European Steel Association (EUROFER) warns that a robust action plan for the steel industry under the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal cannot wait, as the delay threatens the value chain in the bloc. This is stated in the EBA statement.
As noted, despite repeated warnings from the industry, the EU leadership and member state governments have not yet taken decisive action to maintain production and ensure “green” investment in Europe.
“Europe’s de-industrialisation is accelerating, with steel, automotive, renewables, and batteries all on the brink. Without immediate action, Europe’s manufacturing base will disappear,” emphasized EUROFER CEO Axel Eggert.
EUROFER, in particular, recalled that since 2018, steel production in the EU has declined sharply, falling to 126 million tons in 2023. Imports currently account for 27% of the EU market, further undermining domestic production. At the same time, capacity utilization in the bloc has fallen to an unacceptable 60%.
The EBA called on the new European Commission and EU governments to take swift action. Critical points include the active application of trade defenses, a working CBAM, cheap clean energy, keeping scrap in Europe and working on a structural solution to keep the bloc’s industry competitive.
“Without urgent EU intervention, we face total dependence on China, the US, and other global competitors where industries thrive under favourable conditions,” says Axel Eggert.
The EUROFER CEO noted that steelmakers are ready to work with the new European Commission. The industry needs urgent and effective measures rather than incremental improvements that cannot solve major problems such as global overcapacity and high energy prices.
Stefan Sejourne, who will be the new EC Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, promised additional measures to protect the steel sector to unlock investments in decarbonization during his hearings as a candidate in the European Parliament.
As GMK Center reported earlier, European steelmakers are lobbying for the sector’s interests at the EU level. On October 23, the issue of the crisis in the industry, which has been publicly raised in recent months, was discussed during a plenary debate in the European Parliament. In an open letter published in mid-October, CEOs of companies representing the European steel industry listed a number of urgent rescue measures.
Source:GMK Center
