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Brussels/Strasbourg – Members of the European Parliament (EP) during this week’s plenary session in Strasbourg discussed with representatives of the European Commission (EC) three major economic topics – the clean industry agreement, plans for the energy sector and the automotive industry. TASR approached Slovak MEPs from various political groups regarding the clean industry agreement and the related dialogue on the future of European steelmaking.
The clean industry agreement was proposed by the Eurocommission at the end of February, and its goal is to enhance EU competitiveness and decarbonization by addressing high energy costs and promoting global cooperation. It includes measures to increase demand for clean products, mobilize finance for clean production, secure critical raw materials, and strengthen global partnerships.
The strategic dialogue on the future of the European steel sector, launched by the EC on March 5th, focuses on addressing the critical challenges facing the steel industry and ensuring its sustained success as a key driver of the European economy.
EP Quaestor Miriam Lexmann (EPP/KDH) from the International Trade Committee (INTA) welcomed reports that the Eurocommission is working on finding solutions for the European steel industry. According to her, it is threatened not only by very high energy prices, overproduction of steel in third countries but also by the poorly set green policies of the EU that have hitherto disadvantaged domestic industry.
“The European industry has long demanded supportive measures that are crucial to enhance its competitiveness. We have to realize that this industry covers almost 2.5 million jobs, and its threat is also a threat to people’s livelihoods. And this applies to Slovakia as well,” she described the situation.
That is why she welcomes any meaningful initiative to strengthen the competitiveness of this sector and specified that she will continue to closely monitor the EU executive’s proposal.
EP Vice-President Martin Hojsík (RE/PS), a substitute on the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), when asked how he perceives the clean industry agreement proposal and the subsequent dialogue on European steelmaking, also responded that he welcomed these measures.
“They confirm that decarbonization is an opportunity for European industry, for European security, for reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels, but also for creating new, well-paid jobs,” he explained.
However, he also added that the EU needs to ensure fair conditions for European industry. This includes supporting the circular economy within Europe. An example from the steel industry is the recycling of iron scrap in Europe instead of its export to Asia and then repurchasing it as newly manufactured steel. (March 14th)