The EC launches a strategic dialog with representatives of the steel industry

The European Commission is initiating discussions on plans to strengthen the competitiveness of the European steel sector and protect it in international markets.

According to the institution’s statement, the EU action plan will be developed after the Strategic Steel Dialogue with key representatives of the sector. On March 4, a high-level meeting will be held under the chairmanship of EC President Ursula von der Leyen. Key representatives from across the steel value chain, including steel producers, raw material suppliers, buyers, as well as representatives of social partners and civil society, will be invited to the meeting.

The key issues to be discussed will be improving the sector’s competitiveness and circularity, driving the environmental transition, decarbonization and electrification, ensuring fair trade relations and a level playing field.

«The steel industry is a key sector of our European single market. At the same time this industry is of utmost importance in our fight against climate change. The Strategic Dialogue will help develop a concrete Action Plan to tackle the unique challenges of this sector in the clean industrial transition. We want to ensure that the European steel industry is both competitive and sustainable in the long-term,» said von der Leyen.

The European Commission notes that faced with soaring energy costs, problems of access to raw materials, unfair global competition and new US tariffs, the steel industry needs targeted action. The Strategic Dialogue on Steel aims to develop a robust, actionable plan for the industry’s future.

The Commission will consult with the European Council and the European Parliament throughout the dialogue process. Broader consultations will also be held with other industry stakeholders.

In January of this year, the UK government established a new Steel Industry Council to advise on the recovery of the steel industry and develop a future strategy for the industry. It consists of steel sector leaders such as the CEOs of Tata Steel and British Steel, industry experts, trade unions, trade associations and devolved governments. The Council is chaired by Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and John Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute.