Recalling that the Schuman Declaration, which was issued 75 years ago and laid the foundations of the European Union, put coal and steel at its center, EUROFER pointed out that steel is just as important in today's multipolar and competitive world.
The association stated that the European steel industry plays an indispensable role in key areas such as defense, energy transition and economic independence. As of 2024, the total economic contribution created in the sector amounted to EUR 177 billion, employing 2.5 million people directly and indirectly.
However, the sector is facing difficult times due to increasing global competition, high energy prices, unfair trade conditions and inequality in carbon regulations. Last year alone, 9 million tons of production capacity went offline and at least 18,000 people lost their jobs. In some product groups, import rates were as high as 30%.
EUROFER considers the Clean Industry Agreement and the Steel and Metals Action Plan announced by the European Commission at the beginning of 2025 as an important step, but emphasized that the decisions taken must be implemented quickly and decisively.
Priority solutions include developing a more effective trade policy to replace existing steel safeguards, closing loopholes in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, reducing energy costs and limiting the export of steel scrap in particular.
EUROFER called on the European Union to adopt bolder and more industry-friendly policies with the message “Europe can only be strong with its own steel”. Stating that the steel sector is not limited to industrial production, the association emphasized that this sector is also a critical pillar for Europe's sovereignty and prosperity.
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