According to EUROFER, this proposal clearly outlines the path toward a comprehensive steel trade policy that could replace the current protection regime.
The proposal was submitted to the European Commission by France with the support of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain. EUROFER Director General Axel Eggert stated that they welcome this initiative and strongly support it.
In his statement, Eggert stated, “What we need to prevent cheap steel imports from threatening Europe's industrial base, employment, and green transition goals is precisely this kind of coordinated and ambitious action. Urgency and political determination are now more critical than ever. Every day lost is a step away from Europe's industrial sovereignty.”
EUROFER also called on the European Commission to urgently implement the “highly effective” trade measure committed to under the Steel and Metals Action Plan (SMAP), which aims to protect Europe's industrial capacity.
Eggert pointed out that ongoing uncertainties regarding steel trade with the US and global overcapacity are putting increasing pressure on European industry, and that the lack of clarity surrounding the possible “Metals Club” initiative between the EU and the US shows that the EU can no longer tolerate delays.
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