News » Joint Statement: European social partners commit to working towards a competitive transition of the European steel sector
Joint Statement: European social partners commit to working towards a competitive transition of the European steel sector
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With energy and raw material costs remaining high, global overcapacity continuing to increase, and no end in sight for the cost-of-living crisis in Europe, the European steel social partners, industriAll European Trade Union and EUROFER commit to continue to work together to support the twin green and digital transition of the European steel industry and its workers.
European steel is essential for the green transition and is at the heart of European industry providing 310,000 direct, and 2.2 million indirect jobs, in the EU. Ahead of the EU elections in 2024, various pieces of EU legislation need to be finalised with the aim of ensuring a more sustainable future for the steel industry in Europe.
Now more than ever, the European steel sector and its workers need to see increased support for investment to ensure that the green and digital transitions are managed successfully with no steel worker or region being left behind.
European Social Partners:
The European Social Partners will continue to work together and with national and European policy makers to ensure the survival of the European steel sector.
27 November 2023
Brussels, 25 July 2024 – Major indicators in the European steel market show a steeper-than-expected downward trend, further impacting the outlook for this year and the next. Poor demand conditions, driven by ongoing factors such as high energy prices, persistent inflation, economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, are exacerbated by a manufacturing crisis affecting the largest steel-using sectors, including construction and automotive. According to EUROFER’s latest Economic and Steel Market Outlook, apparent steel consumption is further deteriorating. After a slump (-3.1%) in the first quarter of 2024, its rebound for the full year has been revised downwards (to +1.4% from +3.2%), as well as for 2025 (+4.1% from +5.6%). Similarly, output in steel-using sectors, after a decline in the first quarter (-1.9%), is projected to experience a deeper-than-expected recession (-1.6% from -1%). A recovery is anticipated only in 2025 (+2.3%). Steel imports continue to show historically high shares (27%).
Third quarter 2024 report. Data up to, and including, first quarter 2024
Picture Copyright: European Union, 2024 Source: EC - Audiovisual Service
Brussels, 18 July 2024 – The re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission paves the way for the continuation of the ambitious initiatives started in her first term. For a stronger and prosperous Europe, defining a pragmatic set of measures within the first 100 days of the new Commission mandate is the right step forward to ensure the success of the EU’s industry transition, if properly implemented. The European Steel Association urges that the Clean Industrial Deal be complemented as a priority by a European Steel Pact, as proposed by the German delegation to the European People’s Party (EPP).