The plenary session of the European Parliament has held a debate on how the European Union can help recover and restart industrial plants. At a time of low demand and with the threat of so many closures, the Socialists and Democrats called on the EU to put industrial recovery at the core of all its policies.
S&D vice-president Patrizia Toia said: “It is time for EU action here, for shouldering our responsibilities. Above and beyond formal powers we should set up a steering group to bring together powers and resources scattered across all sectors, to work together with national, regional and local authorities.”
Pepa Andrés, S&D shadow rapporteur on the ‘Reindustrialising Europe To Promote Competitiveness And Sustainability’ proposal, said: “Industrial policy can be the solution to the crisis, because it is fundamental to growth and job creation, but we need strong investment and more social dialogue with workers at plants facing difficulties. In drafting its policy, the Commission should take into consideration the entire chain: from raw materials and energy models, all the way down to services.”
Workers from the ArcelorMittal factory in Liège, Belgium will demonstrate in Strasbourg, where the European Parliament holds its plenary session. Belgian S&D Euro MP Frédéric Daerden expressed his solidarity and support for the workers and said: “Europe should help us by easing the transfer to a new owner and by convincing ArcelorMittal to accept a new owner who can afford the investment needed. I am convinced that industrial policy requires new investment from the EU and from member states, as well as environmental and social balance. We must stop being the victims of destructive international dumping!”
