Competitiveness Council, 09/11/2015, 9 November 2015

Main results

Steel industry

The extraordinary Competitiveness Council, convened by the Luxembourg Presidency, discussed the serious challenges that the European steel industry is currently facing and the steps needed to improve its competitiveness.

The discussion focused on the most important issues for the competitiveness of the steel sector, in particular: global competition including trade policy tools, relaunching investment projects, EU climate policy and high energy costs.

I am very satisfied with the outcome of the meeting. It is the role of our Council to examine all  issues which have a significant impact on European competitiveness, and there is a clear and urgent need to deal with the crisis of the steel sector in a comprehensive manner. Etienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economic Affairs of Luxembourg and President of the Council

The chair of the meeting Etienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economic Affairs of Luxembourg, made the following comments:  "I am very satisfied with the outcome of the meeting. It is the role of our Council to examine all  issues which have a significant impact on European competitiveness, and there is a clear and urgent need to deal with the crisis of the steel sector in a comprehensive manner. We agreed on concrete action points, such as making best use of available trade defence instruments and of possibilities which exist under the EU state aid framework and the Juncker plan, and to follow up on this meeting soon".

A number of delegations requested a review of the implementation of the  "Action plan for a competitive and sustainable steel industry in Europe", adopted by the Commission in June 2013. 

It was agreed to convene as soon as possible a special high-level stakeholder's conference on steel, involving the social partners to take stock of progress achieved and to discuss any follow-up actions. In this respect, the importance of continuing dialogue between the EU members states and the Commission together with industry and trade union representatives was underlined.

At the end of the meeting, the Presidency drew the following conclusions:

• Competitiveness Council on the European steel industry - Presidency conclusions

Live streaming, videos and photos

• Live streaming of public sessions and press events, Competitiveness Council, 9 November 2015
• Videos and photos for the meeting, Competitiveness Council, 9 November 2015