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SPD Pushes for Robust Trade Protection to Save German Steel Jobs

The SPD's plan aims to protect German steel jobs. It promotes a 'Buy European' approach and seeks lower energy prices and aid for the industry's climate transition.

In this image there is a shipyard with metal structures, lamp posts, containers and ships.
In this image there is a shipyard with metal structures, lamp posts, containers and ships.

SPD Pushes for Robust Trade Protection to Save German Steel Jobs

The SPD is pushing for a robust trade protection policy to safeguard the German steel industry, which is currently under significant pressure. The party's leaders, Lars Klingbeil and Barbara Bas, are advocating for the preferential use of German and European steel in public contracts, a move they believe will secure jobs and support the industry's transition to climate neutrality.

The SPD's strategy, to be adopted by the party presidency on Monday, is titled 'Strengthen location, drive transformation, secure jobs'. It explicitly promotes a 'Buy European' approach, particularly for the security and defense industry and the energy sector. Klingbeil proposes using the 500-billion-euro investment package for infrastructure projects to support the domestic steel industry. The Cabinet is set to adopt the detailed strategy paper on October 11, 2023. The SPD is also calling for lower energy prices, aid for the climate-neutral transformation of the steel industry, and more collective bargaining and co-determination to protect jobs and support the industry's future.

The SPD's strategy aims to bolster the German steel industry, which is facing significant pressure and job concerns. By advocating for preferential use of European steel and supporting the industry's transformation, the SPD hopes to secure jobs and drive the sector's growth.

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