“Today we reached a common understanding and made concrete agreements. The steel industry’s problems have not suddenly been solved – that was not to be expected. But we are a good step further.
This summit sends a clear message: We want and need a strong steel industry in Germany and Europe with good and secure jobs. Chancellor Merz has clearly spoken out in favor of preserving jobs in the steel industry. Politicians will now go on the offensive.
In Brussels, the federal government will promote robust trade protection for the German and European steel industries and advocate for protective tariffs.
There is also agreement on the need for competitive energy prices. The industrial electricity price comes on January 1, 2026. The federal government will push in Brussels that the industrial electricity price can also be combined with electricity price compensation. This is an important signal.
When it comes to local content, there is a clear commitment that the European steel industry will be given preferential consideration in public tenders and contracts from the private sector. This makes European local content possible.
Now it’s a matter of quickly implementing the agreements made and working on further measures. Time is running out. It must be clear: If companies are now given new scope and support, then they must also take responsibility for the location and the jobs here. We expect investments in domestic locations. Plant closures must be off the table.”