PRESS STATEMENT Greater EU Commitment to a Strong Industrial Base

Christiane Benner, President of IG Metall:

“The geopolitical situation is and remains tense. We are seeing structurally unequal competitive conditions, with overcapacity flooding the European market. This is hitting German and European industry with full force. That is precisely why the German government must now take decisive action to ensure a strong industrial base in Germany and Europe. We finally need effective industrial and trade policy instruments to counter the growing pressure—particularly from China.

Europe must not remain naive in the face of global competition but must represent its industrial interests confidently and strategically. IG Metall supports the latest proposals from EU Industry Commissioner Séjourné: We need effective regulations and quotas for the diversification of supply chains, and we finally need a broader and faster application of existing protective measures.

Among other things, the existing EU countervailing duties on Chinese electric vehicles should be extended to plug-in hybrid vehicles in order to create a level playing field in this vehicle class as well. We should chart our own European course that strengthens the balance in trade relations without harming our own economy.”

Jürgen Kerner, Vice Chair of IG Metall:

“The Industrial Accelerator Act initiated by EU Industry Commissioner Séjourné points in the right direction here. Above all, the local-content approach enshrined in it is crucial: Anyone who wants access to the European market and public funding must also demonstrably contribute to industrial value creation and jobs in Europe. This is an important paradigm shift in industrial policy. Now it is crucial to consistently implement this approach.

We are calling for improvements in several areas. Above all, the principle must be: Made in Europe—not Made with Europe. The rules of origin proposed so far reduce the law to a paper tiger, to a “Buy Not China” clause. IG Metall advocates narrowing the definition of “Union Origin” to EU member states, EFTA states, and the United Kingdom, so that value creation does not take place in Europe only on paper. This is the only way to ensure that investments, innovations, and good jobs are actually created here.

I call on the federal government to finally take a clear stance on this issue and unequivocally support the Industrial Accelerator Act.”

Further information and press photos of Christiane Benner

Further information and press photos of Jürgen Kerner