The European Steel Association (EUROFER) issued a joint statement of the European social partners and IndustriAll European Trade Union, appealing to adopt urgent action to safeguard the European steel sector and jobs.

European steel is the core of the European industry and is responsible for 310,000 direct and 2.2 million related jobs in the EU. The protection of industries and job positions has become more urgent than ever due to the triple crisis of energy, raw materials, and the cost of living.

Due to energy and carbon costs, the European steel industry is suffering huge bills, much higher than other steel producing regions. Raw materials, such as iron ore, can only be obtained by European companies at higher prices from countries other than Russia and Ukraine, all of which exacerbated the energy crisis.

In addition, workers and citizens of the EU are suffering from 10% inflation. While green and digital transformation requires additional investment and support.

Combining the above factors, the European social partners call on companies to continue investing in their factories and employees, and on the authorities to quickly support industrial decarbonization projects and associated energy infrastructure.