August 22, 2008

EMF and EUROFER joint statement on ETS

The European steel industry’s employers and European Metalworkers’ Federation joined ranks to adopt a joint position on European legislation. The statement urges the European institutions to adjust the Commission proposal on the revision of the EU Emissions Trading System so as to safeguard the international competitiveness of European steel industry and thereby more than 370.000 jobs.

Mr Peter Scherrer general secretary of the EMF said that “The statement underlines the negative impact the proposal may have on the steel industry and its workforce if it is not adjusted towards technically feasible objectives, while ensuring the EU’s CO2 reduction commitments. Only a balanced recognition of social, economic and environmental aspects can ensure a high level of employment, high social standards and the well-being of European citizens.”

Mr Gordon Moffat director general of EUROFER said that “the European steel industry is committed to contribute to the EU’s objective to reduce CO2 emissions by 20 to 30 % in 2020 compared to 1990 levels. But the proposal as it stands now will inevitably stop growth and it could lead to a cost increase of 10 to 20 % per tonne of steel, a burden which competitors from countries outside the EU may not have to bear. We therefore urge the European Institutions not to put the renaissance of the European steel industry as a driving force of the European economy at risk.”

The Council, European Parliament and Commission are committed to reach an agreement on the new legislation before the end of the year under the French EU presidency. The Commission sees the legislation as one of the most important cornerstones for the UN Climate Change negotiations in Copenhagen in December 2009, showing the rest of the world the EU’s determination to combat climate change.