Press Release: Commission asks for input on future policy for EU metals industry

Industry is faced with a pressure on access to raw materials for metal production. Prices for all sorts of metals have reached record levels following increasing demand of the new emerging economies. As metal is a fundamental input material for most EU manufacturing industries (automotive, aerospace, chemicals, electrical and mechanical machinery, etc.) and the construction sectors, these developments represent a challenge to EU companies. Based on a new European Commission analysis of the metal sector in terms of structural changes and major trends, the Commission intends to adopt a future Communication proposing policy actions to allow the EU metals industry to adapt to the new context of globalisation. To prepare its communication, the Commission has today launched a stakeholder consultation to collect comments, views and suggestions on future policy options in the fields of waste, energy, trade and research.