Spain, together with other European countries, promotes measures to support the electro-intensive industry

The Minister for Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, with the French Minister Marc Ferracci

The declaration calls on the European Commission to take a series of measures to secure a key industrial sector for the European economy.

During the meeting prior to the COMPET session, it became clear that the European electro-intensive sector is strategic and faces major challenges. Industries at the core of European value chains - steel and non-ferrous metals, chemicals, cement, non-metallic minerals and other energy-intensive sectors - face high energy costs and fierce global competition.

In addition to these factors, global overcapacity and current trade tensions could further affect European production. In this regard, the declaration specifically urges the commission to adopt trade measures to protect steel production in Europe.

These industries also require significant investments for decarbonisation, as well as more sustainable technologies to move towards the goal of zero net emissions by 2050.

The ministers of the signatory states therefore agreed on the need for urgent action by the EU authorities, and agreed to join forces through an alliance for the future of Europe's energy-intensive industries.

Among the measures included in the signed declaration are support for industrial decarbonisation, access to affordable energy, the effective implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and the promotion of public procurement of green industrial products, among others.

The Alliance members also reaffirmed their intention to work together to present common perspectives on these priorities to accelerate European initiatives in the context of the Clean Industry Deal.

Following today's declaration, the states will exchange information on the evolution of the trade situation and the measures needed to protect the European electro-intensive industry in strategic industrial sectors.

In doing so, the members of the Alliance aim to safeguard Europe's industrial future, ensure a just transition to a decarbonised and sustainable economy, and lead the global industrial renaissance.

Non official translation.