In view of his work on preparing the draft opinion on the Steel and Metals Action Plan, Mr Guillermo Peláez Álvarez (PES/ES), Regional Minister for Finance, Justice and European Affairs, Government of the Principality of Asturias, Spain, warmly invites you to send your input to the questions below in English to econ@cor.europa.eu by the deadline of Tuesday 5th August.
- What are the primary challenges and obstacles facing the steel and metals industry that local and regional authorities need to be aware of and address?
- How can EU measures, including funding mechanisms and state aid, help overcome these obstacles and enhance the competitiveness of EU industries? Do you believe that energy and state aid legislation should be applied flexibly to achieve this, and if so, how could this be implemented?
- What mechanisms should be established to ensure the mobilisation of sustainable investments at the local and regional levels?
- How can local and regional authorities ensure that the renewable energy sources required to meet the steel and metals industry's energy demand are available? Are the timelines for expanding the electricity grid compatible with the industry's deadlines?
- Which multi-stakeholder partnerships and collaborations can be developed by local and regional authorities to maximize the impact and implementation of the Steel and Metals Action Plan for industries?
- How can local and regional governments influence trade frameworks within the industry? What measures are necessary to safeguard imports from non-EU countries?
- What key elements are missing from the Steel and Metals Action Plan that are necessary to fully empower cities and regions in the clean and energy transition? Should REACH regulations for specific metals, such as lithium, be revised to avoid excessive requirements that would reduce the competitiveness of EU-manufactured products?
The rapporteur will then draft his opinion where it will be adopted at the CoR ECON Commission meeting on the 25th September 2025.
Please note the deadline for submissions to this written stakeholder consultation is Tuesday 5th August.