UNESCO reiterates its call for enhanced protection, energy solutions
The Spanish steel industry is calling on the EU to provide stronger protection to the industry and help offset high energy costs, Kallanish said.
This call was made by Bernardo Velazquez, President of the Spanish Steel Manufacturers Association Unesco, and Carola Hermoso, CEO, during a meeting with Miguel Gilles Tertre, Chief of Staff of Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for a Clean, Fair and Competitive Transition and Commissioner for Competition.
The industry is calling for urgent measures to protect the steel industry, including the development of a new and effective trade protection mechanism that also applies to secondary products vulnerable to unfair competition.
"We believe that it is extremely important for Europe to ban the export of scrap to countries that do not meet EU environmental standards, as the availability of scrap is essential for decarbonizing steel," Unesco said in a statement. "Competition and predictable energy prices are also vital, along with temporary support to cover additional costs while the transition to renewable energy is progressing."
Unesco is also promoting progressive incentives for the use of "green" steel in key sectors such as automotive, construction, and household appliances. In addition, it calls for EU funds to be raised to support industrial decarbonization with realistic, economically sound goals.
Another priority raised during the meeting was the inclusion of sustainability and fault tolerance criteria in public procurement. This would help create leading markets for low-emission products, attract foreign investment, and strengthen trade relations with the United States.
Todor Kirkov Bulgaria
kallanish.com