Interpipe is proposing a pilot project to establish an industrial acceleration zone between the steel sectors of Romania and Ukraine

The Ukrainian industrial company Interpipe has proposed a pilot project to establish an Industrial Acceleration Zone between the steel sectors of Romania and Ukraine. This is stated in a press release from the company.

Ukraine should not be viewed merely as a future participant in European industry when discussing the prospects for its development. Ukrainian business is already contributing to the achievement of the EU’s goals regarding competitiveness, sustainability and decarbonisation. This view was expressed by Interpipe’s GR Director Natalia Sydoruk during a roundtable at the 9th meeting of the Ukraine-EU High-Level Dialogue on horizontal issues and specific industrial sectors.

In recent years, Interpipe has invested significantly in the EU’s highest environmental and industrial standards, substantially reducing CO2 emissions. Currently, the company’s rate of greenhouse gas emission reduction is among the best in the industry, as it aligns with the European Green Deal’s 2030 target.

In early April this year, Interpipe announced the completion of a deal to acquire a pipe plant in Romania; in May, it was officially renamed Interpipe Roman S.A.

“We are currently monitoring the adaptation of the EU Industrial Accelerator Act to the regulations governing the creation of industrial acceleration zones. We believe that consideration should be given to strengthening industrial relations between the European Union and Ukraine by integrating the industrial zones of both parties. A pilot project could be based on existing relations between the Ukrainian and Romanian steel sectors,” says Nataliia Sydoruk.

Future cooperation between the EU and Ukraine could include cross-border industrial clusters, coordinated infrastructure development planning and joint investment projects that will strengthen the competitiveness of both parties.

“Ukraine’s integration into the European industrial space should be in the interests not only of official Kyiv, but also of official Brussels. Ukraine should not be viewed solely through the prism of reconstruction aid. The stronger our industrial integration is today, the more opportunities there will be tomorrow for both Ukrainian and European businesses,” stated the GR Director of Interpipe.

It is worth recalling that Ukraine’s accession to the European Union opens up new opportunities for domestic business, whilst at the same time presenting it with serious challenges, according to Natalia Sydoruk’s column for GMK Center. The implementation of European standards in the steel  sector requires a measured approach, time and dialogue with the authorities.