Keeping Europe’s steel sector competitive - 11/06/2013.

Action plan tackles fall in demand, environmental 

challenges and unfair competition with focus on cost-

cutting and innovation.

The EU is the second-largest producer of steel 

worldwide, accounting for 11% of global output and 

employing over 360 000 people.

But times are hard. Demand has fallen with the global 

economic downturn, energy costs continue to rise, 

many raw materials must be imported, competition is 

often unfair and meeting environmental requirements 

can be expensive.

With global demand forecast to increase by 2025, it is in 

Europe’s interests to help the industry become more 

competitive. A newly released EU Commission action 

plan for the European steel industry tackles 7 key areas:

Regulation

The EU will assess the regulatory burden on the steel 

industry, checking that EU laws are not creating extra 

costs.

Boosting demand

The construction and automotive sectors account for 

around 40% of demand between them, and both have 

been hit by the economic crisis. Two EU initiatives will 

stimulate these sectors (CARS2020 and Sustainable 

Construction).

Fair competition

Some non-EU countries have introduced barriers to EU 

exports, or incentives for their own exports, giving an 

unfair advantage to their own companies. The EU will 

continue to negotiate free-trade agreements with non-

EU countries, and challenge unfair practices.

Bringing down energy costs

Energy accounts for around 40% of the costs of 

producing steel, and European companies pay more 

than most of their competitors. The EU’s plan 

to interlink its energy market will increase competition 

and lower costs.

Climate policy

Clear environmental rules would encourage the 

investment needed to adapt to greener technologies. 

The Commission will promote best practices, but 

countries must also look into national polices affecting 

prices and set aside funding for energy efficiency 

projects.

Innovation

Between 2014 and 2020, almost €18 billion in EU 

funding will be available for strengthening industrial 

leadership in innovation through the Horizon 

2020 research programme.

Support during restructuring

The steel sector has already lost 40 000 jobs through 

restructuring. There are funds in place to help those 

affected and to ensure that key skills are retained. As 

the steel workforce is ageing, the industry also needs to 

attract young and creative people.

A group will be set up to monitor progress in the areas 

above, and the Commission will take stock of progress 

in 12 months.

More on the EU’s steel sector

New drugs require flexible response, says EU report - 06/06/2013.

The number and availability of new types of drugs 

continued to rise in 2012, challenging EU efforts to 

combat illegal drugs and reduce addiction.

Globalisation, technological advances and the internet have driven 

the development of an open market for new drugs, according to the 

EU drugs agency, which monitors drug use in Europe.

This fundamental shift poses significant challenges for treatment 

programmes, law enforcement and policymaking, the agency says 

in its annual report.

The EU will have to rapidly adjust its new drugs strategy to address 

this more dynamic market, the agency concludes.

European situation

There were some positive developments last year – demand for 

cannabis and cocaine is falling in some countries, and the number 

of first-time heroin users fell.

Record numbers of people are also getting treatment for addiction. 

Some 1.2 million Europeans entered a rehab programme in 2011. 

Heroin addicts and those dependent on similar opioid-type drugs 

form the largest group being treated, followed by cannabis and 

cocaine users.

The European situation indicates that drug treatment remains the 

most likely cost-effective approach – even in difficult economic 

times, the report says.

Treatment services

Although drug-related services have a significant role in helping 

addicts end, or at least manage, their drug use, treatment 

programmes are in danger of being underfunded as governments 

seek to cut public budgets.

Cuts to such programmes have already been made by some 

countries, even though drug use in Europe remains high. A quarter 

of European adults – some 85 million people – are estimated to 

have used illegal drugs.

While some 6,500 people died from overdose in 2011 – a fall of 

500 from the previous year – drug-related deaths remain a major 

challenge for public health services.

The drugs market is also adapting to demand, with ever more 

complex synthetic stimulants on the market in greater numbers. 

Authorities have detected over 70 new drugs in the past year, some 

of which can still be obtained legally.

Globalisation and information technology are important drivers of 

this rapidly evolving market, with the internet allowing users to 

connect with new suppliers.

More on EU drugs policy