The need for stricter implementation of the competitiveness strategy in the EU was emphasized by the president of European Metals and METLEN, Evangelos Mytilineos, during his speech at the event for the presentation of the new identity of Eurometaux, which is now called European Metals.
When others actively support their industries, secure their energy base and use strategic economic tools, Europe cannot rely only on goodwill and process, Mytilineos underlined.
Geopolitics is no longer “background noise”
Mytilineos said that geopolitics is no longer “background noise” and added: “Now, it shapes energy markets, trade flows, investment decisions and industrial survival. Supply chains are used as leverage. Energy has become a strategic asset. And industrial capacity is once again understood as what it is: a source of energy. Take critical raw materials as an example. In Europe, the ‘Critical Raw Materials Act’ gives us a list – 34 raw materials, 17 of which are strategic – along with targets and procedures. What it does not give us is real financial support or strategic reserves. The problem is identified, but not fixed.”
Mytilineos stressed that in the United States, the approach was very different. “They analyzed the supply risks, recognized the market manipulation and understood what was at stake for their industrial base. And then they acted – committing 12 billion dollars to create a strategic mineral reserve, combining public funding with private participation, to secure supply, stabilize markets and protect downstream production. When others are actively supporting their industries, securing their energy base and using strategic economic tools, Europe cannot rely on goodwill and process alone,” he noted.
“Need to adopt a clearer and stricter stance on the implementation of the competitiveness strategy”
Mytilineos underlined that “it is imperative to adopt a clearer and stricter stance on the implementation of the competitiveness strategy.”
As he added, “”or energy-intensive industries, the reality on the ground has not changed, as energy prices in Europe remain structurally higher than those faced by our competitors. This is not a temporary fluctuation. It is a structural disadvantage. There are serious proposals, including targeted solutions for energy-intensive industries. What is missing is speed and implementation. While we are discussing, costs are increasing. While we are waiting, investment decisions are being made elsewhere.”
“If European metals are expected to stay in Europe, we cannot continue to add cost, uncertainty and complexity – and then act surprised when production relocates,” Mytilineos noted.
He also stated that “our industry supports decarbonization and we are investing heavily to achieve it. However, ambition must remain connected to technical and economic reality.”
“Communities built around industry are resilient communities. They sustain skills, innovation and social stability. Once these elements are lost, they are not easily replaced,” Mytilineos concluded.
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