Parliament reviews recent Commission proposals to support the EU steel and metals industries, and the EU’s approach to other energy-intensive industries.

On Wednesday morning, MEPs hold an initial debate with the European Commission on its new action plan to transition to a competitive and decarbonised steel and metals industry in Europe. The sector, which is critical for the EU's security of supply, is facing high energy costs and unfair global competition at a time when money is needed to pay for decarbonisation.

Energy-intensive industries

In a separate debate on Wednesday, MEPs are set to highlight the crucial role energy-intensive industries, such as chemicals, steel, paper, cement and glass, play in the EU economy.

In a draft resolution on which MEPs vote on Wednesday, they propose faster permit-granting processes for clean energy projects and the swift implementation of electricity market design legislation, to lower energy costs, improve energy system integration and increase investment in grid infrastructure. Simplifying administrative procedures and securing the availability of critical and secondary raw materials are essential, the draft text says, to attract private investment and support decarbonisation.

EP Plenary debate on EU steel support and the role of energy intensive industries

MEPs and the Commission debate its recently-proposed Automotive Industry Action Plan. Announced on 5 March 2025, it is intended to support the European automotive sector as it deals with high manufacturing costs, the low-carbon transition, and increased competition from China. A resolution will be put to a vote during the April plenary session.

Debate on the Action plan for the automotive industry

Plenary preparations. Political groups will prepare for the 10 - 13 February plenary session in which MEPs will debate the EU’s continued support for Ukraine after three years of Russia’s war of aggression, providing support to EU regions that border Russia, as well as the continued repression of the democratic opposition in Russia one year after the murder of Alexei Navalny. Plenary will also vote on a resolution on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia, debate the Commission work programme for 2025, the recent proposals to boost the EU’s competitiveness, the consequences of the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and from the World Health Organisation, as well as the threats that strategic reliance on third countries in communication infrastructure pose to EU sovereignty.

Pre-session briefing

MEPs address the ongoing crisis in the EU’s automotive industry, focusing on enhancing competitiveness and preventing potential plant closures. This discussion arises as the sector grapples with challenges stemming from the shift to low-carbon technologies, supply chain disruptions, heightened competition from Asia, and a decline in demand for electric vehicles. MEPs will engage with representatives from the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency to explore measures aimed at revitalizing the automotive sector.

The EU automotive industry, a historically significant sector employing 13.8 million people and contributing 8% of European manufacturing value, is currently at a pivotal moment. The transition towards electrification, with all new vehicles mandated to be zero emissions by 2035, alongside digitalization and global competition, necessitates a swift adaptation of business models. In 2023, while the EU produced 14.8 million vehicles, the industry faces the challenge of competing against emerging leaders like China. MEPs are expected to propose a resolution in a future session to address these urgent concerns and secure the future of this vital sector.

The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry

EP Plenary session - Energy-intensive industries

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Opening statement Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy

Energy-intensive industries: Opening statement Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy

MEPs debate on Energy-intensive industries.

Energy-intensive industries: MEPs debate part 2

MEPs discuss the European steel and metals action plan launched by the European Commission in March 2025. The Plan is designed to strengthen the sector's competitiveness and safeguard the industry's future. A strong steel and metals industry in Europe is crucial to guarantee the EU's security in the current geopolitical context and to deliver on the ReArm Europe Plan.

European steel and metals action plan: MEPs debate (part 2)

Energy-intensive industries: MEPs debate part 1

Closing statement by Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy at the end of the debate on the energy-intensive industries.

Energy-intensive industries: Closing statement Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy

Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy after the debate on the European steel and metals action plan. The European steel and metals action plan was launched by the European Commission in March 2025. The Plan is designed to strengthen the sector's competitiveness and safeguard the industry's future. A strong steel and metals industry in Europe is crucial to guarantee the EU's security in the current geopolitical context and to deliver on the ReArm Europe Plan.

European steel and metals action plan: closing statements

European steel and metals action plan: MEPs debate (part 1)

Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy open the debate on the European steel and metals action plan. The European steel and metals action plan was launched by the European Commission in March 2025. The Plan is designed to strengthen the sector's competitiveness and safeguard the industry's future. A strong steel and metals industry in Europe is crucial to guarantee the EU's security in the current geopolitical context and to deliver on the ReArm Europe Plan.This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

European steel and metals action plan: opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs and Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy

European competitiveness (T)

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