'Keep Production in Europe' action by steel industry representatives in Europe

Industry representatives, led by the European Steel, Pipe and Metal Distribution and Trade Federation (EUROMETAL), came together in Schuman Square, where EU institutions are located in Brussels, within the scope of the theme "Keep Production in Europe".

Demonstrators carried banners saying "Stop cheap imports", "Protect production in the EU", "Let EU steel demand rest in peace", "Let European factories rest in peace".

Activists carried 10 symbolic coffins with the words "Rest in Peace" written on them around the EU Commission building in order to draw attention to the loss of production capacity and employment in Europe.

Demonstrators pointed out that steel factories in the EU are in a difficult situation due to cheap imports.

EUROMETAL argues that manufacturers in Europe bear high costs to comply with EU environmental and climate rules, while some products coming from outside the EU are not subject to the same obligations.

Steel imported into the EU is subject to various rules under quotas, trade defense measures and the Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). However, if steel is processed outside the EU and converted into machinery, automotive parts or other manufactured products, these products can access the EU market without being subject to the same rules.

Industry representatives state that this situation provides a cost advantage to imported products, reduces the competitiveness of European manufacturers and may cause production to shift outside the EU.