At the general assembly held at the regional office of the Moravian-Silesian Region Economic and Social Agreement Council (MSK Tripartite), it was emphasized that immediate intervention in the Czech metallurgy sector is inevitable.
Josef Bělica, Governor of the Moravian-Silesian Region, stated at the meeting: “The cooperation between the region, trade unions, and employers is vital for the stability and development of our region. In the Moravian-Silesian Region, where industry has deep roots, the collaboration of these partners is crucial. Through joint efforts, we can respond to the challenges ahead. The Tripartite serves as a tool to reconcile the interests of all parties and enhance the region’s competitiveness.”
The meeting also addressed an open letter prepared by steel sector trade unions, addressed to all political parties and the future government of the Czech Republic. In the letter, the unions stated that the current industrial strategy threatens the existence and competitiveness of both the Czech and European steel sectors.
Roman Ďurčo, President of the KOVO Union, said: “For this reason, the union sent an open letter to all political parties in the Czech Republic, urging them to start addressing the situation at both the national and European levels. Energy prices and excessive imports from third countries are causing significant harm to the steel industry, and given the current geopolitical situation, this energy-intensive industry needs protection. Europe’s emission targets must be adjusted, and the transition of this industry to emission-free technologies must be supported. They cannot achieve this on their own. We want Czech steel that our companies and workers can produce.”
In this context, the Steel Union, OS KOVO Union, and the Tripartite issued a call to action titled “Ten Points to Save the Czech Steel Industry,” addressed to the future Czech government and the EU.
The plan’s key proposals include:
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Provision of physical and affordable electricity
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Adjustment of the EU ETS emissions trading system
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Restriction of scrap exports and promotion of the circular economy
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Protection of the European market from unfair competition
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Funding for decarbonization projects
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Employment protection and support for technical education
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Creation of a market for green steel
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Reduction of bureaucratic and financial burdens
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Development of a national energy and decarbonization strategy
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Declaration of the steel sector as a strategic sector
Roman Heide, CEO of Czechia’s largest steel producer Třinecké železárny, highlighted the pressures on the European metallurgy sector, saying:
“The European metallurgy industry and its global competitiveness have recently been affected by many negative factors: high energy and emissions permit prices, low demand, systemic issues in the sector, the global geopolitical situation, pressure from cheap supply from third countries, and the continuous increase in global steel production from Asian countries, leaving the European market insufficiently protected. We are under enormous pressure. Třinecké železárny, as the country’s only steel producer, needs to become a strategic enterprise.”
At the end of the meeting, Governor Bělica commented:
“The Moravian-Silesian Region considers steel a strategic material for the operation of companies and the security of the state. Therefore, we support the call of steel workers and trade unions and want the steel industry to be protected by all means possible.”
Additionally, it was announced that the Moravian-Silesian, Karlovy Vary, and Ústí nad Labem regions will issue a declaration titled “Joint Call of Coal Regions for the Continuation of a Fair Transition Process,” urging European institutions and the Czech government to continue financing beyond 2027.
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