EUROFER calls for stronger cooperation on European steelmaking

The European steel industry has called for closer cooperation with EU policymakers to strengthen competitiveness and maintain steel production in Europe, as EUROFER marked both the 75th anniversary of the Treaty of Paris and its own 50th anniversary.

Industry executives, policymakers and representatives of European industrial value chains gathered in Brussels for the event, attended by European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera.

The Treaty of Paris, signed by six countries in 1951, created the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), placing coal and steel at the centre of the early European integration process.

“75 years ago, Europe understood that industry, prosperity and peace were interconnected. Today, competitiveness, climate, security and social cohesion are equally connected,” said EUROFER President Henrik Adam.

He welcomed the EU’s commitment to maintaining a strong industrial base and steel production in Europe, but argued that policy ambitions now need to translate into concrete improvements for manufacturers.

Energy costs key to industrial transformation

EUROFER pointed to the EU’s Steel and Metals Action Plan as an important step, while stressing that further measures are needed to support investment and establish competitive European industrial value chains.

A central concern remains energy. According to Adam, affordable and internationally competitive energy prices are essential if European steelmakers are to decarbonise while continuing to invest and produce within the EU.

Ribera also stressed the connection between industrial competitiveness and decarbonisation. She said policymakers need to create the conditions for companies to invest, innovate and create jobs in Europe, while industry has to deliver the transformation.

EUROFER argues that strengthening steel and other strategic industries has become increasingly important as other major economies expand support for domestic manufacturing.

“Europe cannot afford to fall behind while other major economies strengthen their

industries,” Adam said. “If Europe wants to remain a global force, it needs the industrial strength to do so.”

Source and Photo: EUROFER