EUROMETAL, the organization representing the European steel distribution, derivatives, and manufacturing sector, is organizing a demonstration in Brussels on Monday, 7 September 2026.
Unfair Competition and Carbon Regulation Risks
The statement highlights that European manufacturers are investing heavily to meet the EU’s ambitious environmental and climate goals. However, steel-intensive downstream and derivative products imported from outside the EU are not subject to equivalent carbon or trade obligations.
While crude steel entering the EU is covered by quotas, trade defense measures, and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), finished goods manufactured from steel enter the European market without similar restrictions. This creates a severe unlevel playing field for European manufacturers, increases production costs, and triggers the relocation of production outside Europe, threatening investment, industrial know-how, and quality jobs.
Statement from EUROMETAL President Alexander Julius
In his statement, EUROMETAL President Alexander Julius emphasized:
*”We are not asking for subsidies or special treatment. We are asking for fair competition. European manufacturers are investing to meet some of the world’s highest environmental and climate standards. At the same time, many imported manufactured products enter the European market without facing equivalent obligations. This creates an uneven playing field that puts European factories, investment, and jobs at risk.Our message is simple: if Europe wants to keep manufacturing, innovation, and skilled jobs, it must ensure that the same principles apply across the entire manufacturing value chain. Keeping manufacturing in Europe is about preserving Europe’s prosperity, resilience, and strategic autonomy.”*
Event Programme (Monday, 7 September 2026)
The peaceful demonstration will take place in the European Quarter, centered around the European Commission’s Berlaymont building:
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10:30 – Participants gather at Robert Schuman Roundabout.
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11:00 – Press conference and media interviews at Robert Schuman Roundabout.
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11:30 – Symbolic Funeral Procession: Representatives of companies and associations will carry 10 symbolic industrial coffins around the Berlaymont building, representing the manufacturing capacity, jobs, and industrial know-how that Europe risks losing.
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11:30 – Arrival of the Convoy: Arrival of the “European Convoy for Industrial Competitiveness” in the European Quarter and positioning of participating trucks on Boulevard Charlemagne.
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12:00 – Simultaneous Horn-Sounding Action: A simultaneous sounding of all truck horns will deliver a symbolic wake-up call for Europe’s manufacturing future.
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12:05 – Presentation of Demands: Presentation of the convoy’s common message to a representative of the European Commission, followed by a photo opportunity.
