A growing consensus is emerging among German political parties regarding the need to safeguard the nation’s steel industry against unfair competition. Felix Banaszak, leader of the Green Party, has voiced his support for a proposal put forward by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) to implement “Buy European” regulations. Banaszak emphasized that failure to establish Europe as a leading market for “green steel” risks not only job losses but also a significant erosion of technological sovereignty.
The discussion extends beyond solely climate protection, encompassing crucial aspects such as industrial strength, supply chain security and social stability. Banaszak stressed the need for robust sustainability quotas and protective tariffs to counter potentially damaging import practices. He cautioned, however, that the Green Party will be closely scrutinizing how the SPD’s proposals translate into concrete government actions. He highlighted the importance of cultivating green technology markets, expanding hydrogen infrastructure and reducing electricity prices to ensure climate-neutral steel production remains competitive. Half-hearted measures, he warned, would create a true disadvantage.
The Left party echoed the sentiment, underlining the critical need to protect workers alongside industrial concerns. Leader Ines Schwerdtner insisted that protectionist measures for steel corporations must also extend to safeguarding employee livelihoods. In return for such support, she advocated for companies to provide job guarantees and commit to continued investment in the sustainable transformation of steelworks.
The SPD, in a forthcoming proposal to be formally adopted, is championing “Buy European” rules and a “robust trade protection” framework, particularly for sectors including security and defense and energy. The party intends to actively lobby for the establishment of green steel markets at the European level.
According to Vice-Chancellor and SPD leader Lars Klingbeil, the future lies with climate-friendly steel production within Europe. He argued for a prioritization of domestically produced steel, particularly given the nation’s unprecedented investment of 500 billion euros in infrastructure development.
