Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, Antonio Tajani, announced the forthcoming celebration of a round table which will open dialogue on competitiveness of the European steel industry. Steel sector has been one of the most affected by the financial crisis as it is heavily exposed to international competition.

In the occasion of this round table representatives of leading EU steel companies, Trade Unions as well as the European Steel Industry Association (EUROFER) will meet in Brussels. Conclusions arising from this forum will serve as concrete recommendations for the European Commission and the companies concerned on how to maintain long-term competitiveness of the European steel industry in an increasingly global context. These recommendations will feed into an action plan for a renewed EU strategy to help the European steel industry.

Commissioner Tajani stressed the importance of maintaining the level of innovation and competitiveness in within an industry which is crucial for European economy in order to ensure growth and employment. Moreover, the Commissioner Andor, responsible for Employment and Social Affairs, highlighted the need to invest in skilled human capital in order to ensure that the human costs of restructuring are kept to a minimum.

The round table will address the key issues affecting competitiveness of the European steel industry in the context of the current economic situation. It will also discuss the new opportunities opening up for steel industry coming from emerging industrial applications either in traditional or technology-based industries, such as for construction or renewable energy.