He mentioned the challenges of 2023 in his New Year’s message to its members. European steel industry Eurometaux its new president, Evangelos Mytileneos. The industry continues to face an existential threat from the energy crisis, and while prices have momentarily eased, uncertainty remains huge ahead of the new year, Mr. Mytilineos said. He noted that inflation, geopolitical tensions and tighter industrial policies from “friendly competitors like the US” will be big challenges for the industry in 2023. “The US Deflation Act showed us all what an active industrial policy should look like,” he stressed, noting that “we need more carrot and less stick than European policy.” He stressed that Europe may need to reassess the effectiveness of its policies and instruments in order to significantly promote growth and decarbonization, as well as strengthen its strategic autonomy.

However, he acknowledged “early positive signs at the start of the year”. Heads of government are now talking about the need for Europe to support its industry with new capital and stronger government support. I buy it, the European theme is no longer taboo. The commission is also starting to show signs that our message is being heard, he said, referring to the Green Deal industrial plan expected in the coming months.

According to him, the issue of the supply of primary and secondary metals for Europe should be a priority for Brussels in 2023, as this is a fundamental part of the competition in the production of clean energy and digital technologies. “Eurometaux and I will work hard to achieve a European industrial policy that provides real visibility and support for our companies and improves the policy coherence we all face. This mission will take us to the next European Commission and beyond,” he said and set three goals for the industry by the end of 2023:

• First, to stand together and cope with the energy and industrial crisis in Europe by constantly working on meaningful EU support measures.

• Second, to be at the center of the debate on European industrial policy and raw materials, pushing for a complete overhaul that links our various priorities.

• Third, agree on a long-term EU vision for climate, environment and the circular economy. work consistently for strategic metal supply chains and today’s global agenda.

Finally, he mentioned three important pieces of legislation expected in 2023:

1. Announcement on March 8 of the European Critical Raw Materials Act with actions that will increase competitiveness and climate change investment.

2. European electricity market design reform.

3. Revision of the European REACH Regulation, which will establish a new structure for the chemical industry in the next decade, which must be consistent and predictable.