Europe is at a critical juncture. Unfair trade practices and structural overcapacity in non-market economies are placing increasing pressure on Europe’s industrial base, affecting upstream and downstream sectors alike. In this joint statement, the signatories call on the European Commission to strengthen the effectiveness of the EU trade defence toolbox through a series of targeted and ambitious measures.

The signatories call for faster and more effective trade defence procedures, alongside the urgent allocation of additional human resources to DG Trade’s trade defence services, in order to strengthen the speed, effectiveness and enforcement capacity of investigations. While supporting the EU’s existing Trade Defence Instruments as essential tools to address unfair trade practices, the signatories stress that these instruments must be further reinforced to respond effectively to growing global market distortions.

As the EU develops its post-2030 legislative framework, the signatories call for a truly technology-neutral approach that delivers affordable energy for European industry. Faced with major decarbonisation and competitiveness challenges, Europe cannot afford to favour certain technologies at the expense of industrial resilience and energy system stability. Achieving climate objectives while maintaining a strong industrial base will require the mobilisation of all clean energy sources, including both renewables and nuclear. The signatories therefore urge the EU to adopt a globally competitive and technology-neutral framework for 2030 and beyond.