The agreement reached at the EU level on regulation aimed at protecting the European steel market represents an initial sign of stabilization of the sector, although rapid implementation and corrective actions at the most critical points are still needed, according to Antonio Gozzi, president of the Italian Steel Manufacturers Association. Federacciai, commenting on the agreement reached in Brussels on April 13
Gozzi acknowledged the role played by European Commission members Stephane Sejournay and Raffaele Fitto, stressing that the commitments made at the Assembly of the Federation Council in Bergamo had been fulfilled, as well as the support of the European Parliament in confirming the overall framework of the Commission's proposal. In particular, the president of Federacciai called the six-month review provided for some products, including stainless steel wire, positive, noting that these segments will require immediate action. On the other hand, he expressed a more critical point of view regarding the two-year postponement of the application of the "melted and poured" principle, which he considers a key element in ensuring fair competition rules in the European market."Overall, this is a step in the right direction," Gozzi said, stressing the need for a rapid transition to the implementation of these measures. He stressed that the issue is not limited only to trade, but also concerns the stability of industry and employment in the strategic sector of Europe. His remarks come at a time when the European steel industry is under intense pressure, already affected by structural issues related to energy prices, environmental regulations and international competitiveness.
As SteelOrbis has already reported In recent weeks, Gozzi has repeatedly drawn attention to the weaknesses of the current European regulatory framework, calling for a structural review of the ETS system, increased protection of ferrous scrap, and the adoption of a more organic industrial strategy at the EU level.
Against this background, the regulatory agreement represents the first step, although not the final answer to the needs of the industry, as the industry continues to call for more decisive and coordinated measures to support the competitiveness of the European steel industry.
