Press Statement Steel Summit: “Implement the agreements quickly and take responsibility!”

“Today we reached a common understanding and made concrete agreements. This doesn’t suddenly solve the steel industry’s problems—nor was that to be expected. But we’ve taken a significant step forward.

The clear message coming out of this summit is: We want and need a strong steel industry in Germany and Europe with good, secure jobs. Chancellor Merz has spoken out clearly in favor of preserving jobs in the steel industry. Policymakers will now take the initiative to make this happen.

The federal government will push for robust trade protection for the German and European steel industries in Brussels and advocate for protective tariffs.

There is also consensus on the need for competitiveenergy prices. The industrial electricity price will take effect on January 1, 2026. The federal government will press for this in Brussels to ensure that the industrial electricity price can also be combined with electricity price compensation. This is an important signal.

On the issueof local content, there is a clear commitment that the European steel industry will receive preferential treatment in public tenders and private-sector contracts. This will make European local content possible.

The task now is to quickly implement the agreements reached and to work on further measures. Time is of the essence. It must be clear that if companies are now given new leeway and support, they must also take responsibility for the local economy and jobs here. We expect investments in domestic locations. Plant closures must be off the table."