European steel sector protests cheap imports in Brussels
Representatives of the European steel sector gathered in Brussels to protest against cheap imports, production capacity losses, and job losses.
Led by the European Federation of Steel, Tube and Metal Distribution and Trade, sector representatives held a demonstration at Schuman Square in Brussels to protest cheap imports, production capacity, and job losses.
Protest at Schuman Square
Led by the European Federation of Steel, Tube and Metal Distribution and Trade, industry representatives gathered at Schuman Square in Brussels, where EU institutions are located, under the theme 'Keep Production in Europe'.
Symbolic Coffins Carried
Demonstrators carried ten symbolic coffins bearing the inscription 'Rest in Peace' around the European Commission building to draw attention to production capacity and job losses in Europe.
Protesters also expressed their reactions with banners reading 'Stop cheap imports' and 'Protect production in the EU'.
Costs and Environmental Rules
Emphasizing that steel plants in the EU are struggling due to cheap imports, industry representatives stated that European producers bear high costs to comply with environmental and climate regulations.
Market Access and Competitiveness
It was stated that when steel is processed outside the EU and turned into different products, it can access the market without being subject to the same rules, which reduces the competitiveness of European producers.