UNESID Director General Carola Hermoso Arnao and President Bernardo Velázquez met with Miguel Gil Tertre, Head of Cabinet of the European Commission, to directly convey the industry's strategic priorities.
They discussed issues directly affecting the industry, such as the Clean Industry Agreement, the Steel and Metals Action Plan and the new CISAF support framework. UNESID representatives highlighted the uncertainties in areas such as the implementation of the CBAM mechanism and the strategic management of scrap metal, while noting that energy costs are challenging sustainability. In this context, it was emphasized that temporary support mechanisms should be put in place to stabilize fluctuations in energy prices.
UNESID also stated that Europe should stop exporting scrap to countries that do not meet its standards, as these resources are vital for green steel production. It also pointed to the need to create a market for environmentally friendly products by introducing low carbon criteria in public tenders. It was stated that gradual incentives should be implemented to increase the use of green steel in strategic sectors such as automotive, construction and white goods.
Speaking on behalf of the European Commission, Miguel Gil Tertre made it clear that sectors such as steel, automotive, defense and energy are of strategic importance and that industry must be protected. The Commission is also reportedly planning to integrate a “Buy European” approach to public procurement, requiring imported products to comply with European environmental, occupational safety and social standards.
In Brussels, UNESID reiterated that the ecological transformation must go hand in hand with the competitiveness, employment and technological independence of European industry.
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