A joint event by the European Steel Association and Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahl looking at the EU Green Deal and the German Steel Action Concept.

The joint EUROFER & WV Stahl webinar - The Green Deal and European Steel: The example of the German Steel Action Plan - 24 February from 11:00 till 12:30

About the webinar

The Green Deal and European Steel: The example of the German Steel Action Plan

The European steel industry is facing serious challenges. As a result of reduced global demand, steel production in the EU has significantly dropped and the sector’s workforce has continuously declined. The economic downturn of the Covid-19 pandemic is adding to these structural difficulties, making resolute action a necessity.

At the same time, the steel industry counts as most advanced among energy-intensive industries in terms of its CO₂ footprint. Not only it produces 100% recyclable materials for EU key industries such as automotive, construction, or medical devices, but it is already fully committed to cut its emissions by 30% until 2030, and is well headed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Therefore, an EU Green Deal on Steel, addressing both the sector’s structural problems and its potential as a frontrunner on how hard-to-abate industries can lower their emissions, could serve as blueprint for the whole EU industrial sector.

The German Steel Action Concept “For a strong steel industry in Germany and Europe” (see German version here) shows us that climate action and the continued existence of competitive energy-intensive industries can complement one another in fruitful ways.

Join this webinar to discuss what a Green Deal on Steel might look like and, building on the German concept, what mix of policy tools can help the sector most in making a substantial contribution to the EU’s ambitious climate goals while best ensuring its competitiveness.

When & where?

The webinar took place on Wednesday, 24 February 2020 from 11:00-12:15 online, via Zoom.

Who is invited?

The seminar was open to anyone interested in learning about the German Steel Action Concept, the Green Deal on Steel and what the European steel industry is doing to help meet the EU's climate ambition.

Schedule

Times are indicative only

11:00 | Introductory joint statement

Moderation by Jacki Davis

Building on the German Steel Action Concept at EU level

Hans Jürgen Kerkhoff, President, WV Stahl
Axel Eggert, Director General, The European Steel Association
11:10 | Video statement

Diederik Samsom, Head of Cabinet for Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal Frans Timmermans (confirmed)
11:20 | Panel discussion & Q&A

Moderation by Jacki Davis

How could an Action Plan for European steel reinforce the EU Green Deal?

Claudia Gamon MEP, Renew Europe, ITRE Committee member, European Parliament (confirmed)
Jude Kirton-Darling, Deputy Secretary-General, IndustriAll European Trade Union (confirmed)
Marius Hirte, Director, Competitiveness Directorate, Economic Affairs and Competitiveness, Council of the EU (confirmed)
Hans Jürgen Kerkhoff, President, WV Stahl (confirmed)
Axel Eggert, Director General, The European Steel Association (confirmed)
12:30 | End of discussion