President von der Leyen announced the setup of a Strategic Dialogue on Steel by the European Commission, aimed at establishing a clear path for the future of the European steel industry. This initiative underscores the Commissions commitment to this strategic sector, recognizing its role in innovation, growth, employment, and the EUs strategic autonomy.
Executive Vice-President Séjourné has been tasked with developing a Steel and Metals Action Plan, set to be launched in spring.
President Ursula von der Leyen stated: The steel industry is a key sector of our European single market. It is crucial in our fight against climate change. The Strategic Dialogue will help develop a concrete Action Plan to address the sectors unique challenges in the clean industrial transition. We aim to ensure that the European steel industry remains competitive and sustainable in the long term.
The steel industry faces unprecedented challenges, such as rising energy costs, raw material issues, unfair global competition, and new US tariffs. The Strategic Dialogue on Steel aims to deliver a robust, actionable plan for the sectors future.
On 4 March, President Ursula von der Leyen will chair the meeting of the Strategic Dialogue on Steel. Key representatives from the steel value chain, including manufacturers, raw material suppliers, off-takers, and representatives of social partners and civil society, have been invited to participate.
The dialogue will build upon the foundation laid by the recently published EU Competitiveness Compass and the forthcoming EU Clean Industrial Deal. Key discussion points include enhancing competitiveness and circularity, driving the clean transition, decarbonisation, and electrification, ensuring fair trade relations, and establishing an international level playing field. More information can be found in the annexed Concept Note.
The Commission will inform and consult with the Council and European Parliament throughout the dialogue process. Broader consultations with other industry stakeholders will also be conducted.
Background
The European steel industry is a vital component of the EU economy and a key enabler of its strategic autonomy.
With approximately 500 production sites across 22 Member States, the European steel industry contributes around EUR 80 billion to the EUs GDP and supports over 2.5 million jobs. It provides essential inputs to critical sectors such as automotive, construction, defence, net-zero technologies, electric vehicles (EVs), and critical infrastructure, underpinning entire industrial value chains.
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