Application of TFEU objectives and measures in support of the iron and steel industry

16.6.2017

Question for written answer P-004014-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Stefano Maullu (PPE)

Promoting a high level of employment is among the key principles, objectives and activities referred to in the TFEU, and it is an objective that must be taken into account when framing and implementing EU policies and activities.

The iron and steel industry provides 1.3% of EU GDP and employs 328 000 people (2015 figures). It is also a major source of indirect employment, being of key importance for many other sectors.

Despite its potential and the considerable efforts which have been made, the competitiveness of Europe’s iron and steel industry on the world market has waned in recent years. The Commission has brought forward a set of measures aimed at helping the industry address the tricky challenges posed by global over-capacity and unfair trading practices, which also focus on investment in new technologies and future means of boosting the industry’s competitiveness as well as investing in workers in this sector.

ILVA SpA, which is Europe’s fourth largest iron and steel producer, with an output of 5.8 million tonnes of steel in 2016 and around 14 000 employees, is in the throes of a deep financial crisis.

In the light of the above, can the Commission indicate what instruments it might use to ensure that the principles and objectives of the TFEU and measures in support of the European iron and steel industry are applied in the case of ILVA SpA?