Brussels/Strasbourg – During this week’s plenary session in Strasbourg, Members of the European Parliament (EP) engaged with representatives from the European Commission (EC) to discuss three significant economic issues: the clean industry agreement, developments in the energy sector, and the automotive industry. TASR reached out to Slovak MEPs from various political parties to gather their views on the clean industry agreement and the ongoing dialogue concerning the future of steel production in Europe.
The clean industry agreement, proposed by the Eurocommission at the end of February, aims to boost the competitiveness and decarbonization of the EU by tackling high energy costs and fostering global cooperation. The agreement outlines strategies to increase demand for clean products, secure financing for clean production, ensure access to critical raw materials, and strengthen international partnerships.
The strategic dialogue regarding the future of the European steel sector, initiated by the EC on March 5th, seeks to tackle the key challenges facing the steel industry and to guarantee its continued success as a vital component of the European economy.
Miriam Lexmann, EP Quaestor (EPP/KDH) and member of the International Trade Committee (INTA), expressed her support for the EC’s efforts to find solutions for the steel industry. She highlighted that the sector is threatened not only by soaring energy prices and overproduction of steel in third countries, but also by inadequately designed EU green policies that have negatively impacted domestic industries.
“The European industry has long called for supportive measures that are essential to boosting its competitiveness. We must recognize that this industry supports nearly 2.5 million jobs, and its challenges pose a risk to people’s livelihoods, including in Slovakia,” she noted, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Lexmann welcomed any significant initiatives aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the steel sector and emphasized her commitment to closely follow the proposals from the EU executive.
EP Vice-President Martin Hojsík (RE/PS), who serves as a substitute on the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), shared his positive outlook on the clean industry agreement and the associated discussions regarding European steelmaking. He emphasized that these measures present an opportunity for the European industry and enhance security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels while creating new, well-paying jobs.
However, he also stressed the importance of ensuring equitable conditions for European industries, which includes promoting the circular economy within Europe. He pointed out that in the steel sector, this could mean recycling iron scrap domestically rather than exporting it to Asia and then importing it back as newly manufactured steel. (March 14th)
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