ASSOFERMET stated that, within the framework of the initiative supported by more than 300 companies and 35 industry associations, it is calling on European Union institutions and member state governments to take urgent and effective measures.
The statement said that the rapid deterioration in global competitive conditions is not cyclical but structural, adding that European industry is facing increasing trade tensions, unfair competition, high production costs, and global overcapacity pressures. It was emphasised that this is weakening competitiveness across the entire steel and metals value chain.
Industry representatives warned that without necessary action, Europe could face an acceleration of deindustrialisation, potentially leading to job losses, reduced production, and increased strategic dependencies.
The statement reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to climate targets, while stressing that industrial transformation and decarbonisation can only be sustainable under fair competitive conditions.
Within the scope of the initiative, calls for action were structured around four main pillars: strengthening tariff and quota mechanisms covering steel and steel-intensive products; expanding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to include downstream steel products; implementing a “Made in EU” principle in strategic sectors; and improving the competitiveness of European industry by reducing energy costs.
Regarding energy costs, the association called for lower industrial electricity prices, a review of the pace of reduction in free allocations under the Emissions Trading System (ETS), and a reduction of bureaucratic burdens.
It was also warned that failure to act could put up to 13 million direct jobs and as many as 65 million indirect jobs in Europe at risk.
ASSOFERMET concluded by urging the European Commission and member states to strengthen trade policy tools, improve competitiveness conditions, and reshape industrial policy to support both the green transition and production capacity.
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