Eurofer backs industry workers’ protest over steel sector challenges

by David Fleschen

The European Steel Association (EUROFER) has expressed its support for the demonstration of industry workers set to take place in Brussels on 5 February, organized by industriAll Europe. Steelworkers from across the EU will rally alongside other manufacturing workers to urge the European Commission to take action in preserving industrial jobs and addressing global steel overcapacity and unfair trade practices.

Axel Eggert, Director General of EUROFER, warned that without urgent intervention, the European steel industry faces further plant closures and job losses. “Steel is a vital industry supporting multiple sectors, from automotive and construction to renewable energy. If it disappears from Europe, entire value chains and local economies will suffer,” he stated.

The industry faces significant challenges:

  • The European steel sector directly employs over 300,000 people and supports more than 2.2 million jobs indirectly, yet nearly 100,000 steel jobs have been lost in the past 15 years.

  • Global steel overcapacity reached 551 million tonnes in 2023—four times the EU’s total production—and is expected to rise to 700 million tonnes by 2026.

  • EU steel production has declined by 34 million tonnes since 2018, with imports now making up 27% of the EU market.

  • Capacity utilization has fallen to an unsustainable 60%, making the EU the only major region globally to reduce steelmaking capacity in the past 15 years.

Recent political discussions, including meetings in the European Parliament and an informal EU Council gathering in Warsaw, have acknowledged the urgency of the situation. EUROFER is calling for decisive action through the Clean Industrial Deal and the Steel and Metals Action Plan to implement key measures, including:

  • Stronger enforcement of EU trade defense mechanisms to counter global steel overcapacity.

  • An effective Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to prevent unfair competition and protect EU steel exports.

  • More affordable clean energy solutions for industrial consumers.

  • Policies to retain steel scrap within Europe for sustainability and decarbonization.

“The European Commission’s upcoming initiatives will be crucial in determining the future of the steel industry and European manufacturing. The time to act is now,” concluded Eggert.

Source: Eurofer, Photo: Fotolia

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