The Spanish steel industry is urging the EU to provide stronger protection for the sector and help offset high energy costs, Kallanish notes.
This appeal was made by Spanish steel association Unesid president Bernardo Velázquez and general director Carola Hermoso during a meeting with Miguel Gil Tertre, chief of staff to Teresa Ribera, the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition and Commissioner for Competition.
The industry is calling for urgent measures to safeguard steel production, including the development of a new and effective trade defence mechanism that also covers downstream products vulnerable to unfair competition.
“We consider it crucial that Europe prohibits the export of scrap to countries that do not meet EU environmental standards, as scrap availability is essential for steel decarbonisation,” Unesid states. “Competitive and predictable energy pricing is also vital, along with temporary support to cover additional costs while the shift to renewables progresses.”
Unesid is also advocating progressive incentives to promote the use of “green” steel in key sectors such as automotive, construction, and appliances. Additionally, it is calling for EU funds to support industrial decarbonisation with realistic, economically viable targets.
Another priority raised during the meeting was the inclusion of sustainability and resilience criteria in public procurement. This would help create lead markets for low-emission products, attract foreign investment, and strengthen trade relations with the US.
Todor Kirkov Bulgaria
