Urusla von der Leyen announces Strategic Dialogue and Action Plan on steel

President Ursula von der Leyen will convene a Strategic Dialogue on Steel on March 4, as part of the European Commission’s broader initiative to support the European steel industry's competitiveness and sustainability. The meeting will include representatives from the steel value chain, including manufacturers, raw material suppliers, off-takers, social partners, and civil society.

The Strategic Dialogue aims to address key challenges facing the industry, including rising energy costs, raw material supply issues, unfair global competition, and new US tariffs. It will build upon existing frameworks, such as the EU Competitiveness Compass and the forthcoming EU Clean Industrial Deal.

In conjunction with the dialogue, Executive Vice-President Séjourné has been tasked with developing a Steel and Metals Action Plan, set for release in spring 2025. The plan will focus on enhancing competitiveness, promoting circularity, advancing the clean transition, decarbonization, electrification, and ensuring fair trade practices.

President von der Leyen emphasized the dual importance of the steel sector to the EU's internal market and climate goals, stating, “We want to ensure that the European steel industry is both competitive and sustainable in the long term.”

The Commission plans to engage with the European Council, Parliament, and other stakeholders throughout the process to ensure broad input and support for the initiative.

Source: European Commission, Photo: Fotolia