This first consultation follows the “Steel Dialogue” meeting hosted by the European Commission on 4 March 2025. At that meeting, EUROMETAL highlighted the negative impact of imported steel derivatives on the distribution, processing and manufacturing industries in Europe.
Both associations emphasized that a solid production infrastructure is vital for Europe's strategic autonomy and that this is not limited to steel production but covers the entire supply chain. The “Steel and Metals Action Plan” is a good start, they stated, and should be translated into effective regulatory frameworks. Sharing information and perspectives along the value chain is crucial for the effective design and implementation of these policies.
EUROMETAL represents around 50% of the steel processing market in Europe and more targeted and robust support is needed for this segment to remain competitive. A steel industry that loses its customer base while forward-looking sectors shrink poses serious risks for the European industrial ecosystem. This industry is also a key supplier to European manufacturers that need steel.
The weakening of this vital supply chain jeopardizes 13.6 million direct employment opportunities across the European Union, EUROFER and EUROMETAL said. They warned that this would have not only economic but also structural implications. Consequences such as the outsourcing of R&D capacity, the loss of innovation hubs and increased dependence on foreign markets are increasing the risk of deindustrialization in Europe.
The meeting provided a solid basis for deeper analysis and future discussions on these critical issues.
Axel Eggert, EUROFER Director General, stated: “EUROMETAL and EUROFER believe that we need a vibrant steel value chain for Europe's economic resilience, strategic autonomy, investments, innovation and quality jobs. We therefore call on European Union policymakers to support our joint efforts.”
“Europe's steel-using and steel-producing industries are under threat,” added Alexander Julius, President of EUROMETAL. “The focus of EU policymakers must be broadened to cover the entire supply and value chain of our industry. Our joint efforts with EUROFER provide a solid basis for a sustainable approach to this important issue.”
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