(de-news.net) – Following a meeting with senior representatives of the steel industry, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) pledged to advocate for the sector at the European Union level. Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit announced that Scholz is calling for an expedited European steel summit and intends to urge the European Commission to sustain or enhance critical relief measures for the industry. Scholz reaffirmed the government’s plan to reduce grid fees to alleviate electricity costs for energy-intensive companies.
During the steel summit at the Chancellery, Scholz articulated the government’s commitment to supporting the beleaguered industry. He underscored the significance of competitive energy costs, equitable international conditions, and sustained support for the modernization of steel production to secure numerous industrial jobs. Scholz characterized the steel industry as indispensable for Germany, emphasizing its geostrategic importance for industrial production and economic growth.
Scholz proposed capping transmission grid costs at 3 cents per kilowatt-hour, with the government subsidizing part of these costs. He also advocated for a pragmatic approach to transitioning from natural gas to hydrogen. Scholz further stressed the necessity of fair competition in global markets to balance higher climate protection efforts in the EU and prevent relocations to countries with lower standards. The European Commission was urged to consider additional trade protection measures for the steel sector.
The summit included CEOs of major German steel companies, works council chairpersons, and IG Metall representatives. Discussions centered on the challenging economic situation, energy issues, the transformation of the steel industry, and external economic challenges. Company representatives requested an extension of short-time work benefits to 24 months, which Scholz promised to discuss with Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD).
The CDU criticized the summit as a campaign maneuver, with General Secretary Carsten Linnemann accusing Scholz of misusing government resources for electoral purposes. Economic policy spokesperson Julia Klöckner labeled the summit a “show” and contended that the government, lacking a majority, could not implement measures independently. Klöckner also criticized Scholz’s policies on industrial electricity prices and hydrogen which she deemed inconsistent.