London, 12 January 2010

In time with the start of the European Parliament hearings with the designated Commissioners, the European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries (EUROFER) has published a Manifesto of the European steel industry for the European Commission 2010-2014.

The Manifesto, which outlines the crucial role that the European steel industry plays in the supply and value chain of the European Economy, urges the new Commission to set the right framework conditions for a sustainable development of the steel sector in Europe and the European economy as such.

"We expect the new European Commission to secure a level playing field for European steelmakers with competitors from non-EU countries. This is more urgent than ever before given the failure of the Copenhagen climate change negotiations, the costs of EU legislation for the European economy and the artificial advantages that our competitors often receive from their governments", EUROFER director general Gordon Moffat said.

"We hope that the brochure will be inspiring for the Commission’s work over the coming five years", he added.

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