EU aluminum industry calls for protection

Companies for the production and utilization of aluminum in Europe called on the Council of Europe to take measures to protect industries, including the automotive industry, the main car models of which and spare parts for them are presented here , which suffer the most from global competition.

High energy prices and the unilateral burden of EU climate and energy policies paralyze the ability of European producers to compete in the aluminum market. Business leaders in the industry addressed the heads of state and government in an open letter to coincide with the European Council meeting in Brussels.

The companies said they support the ambitious climate recovery goals but require action to protect the aluminum industry, which is most exposed to global competition. They, in particular, propose to carry out compensation for costs, which should be agreed at the EU level. Companies reported the sector's inability to go through the introduction of indirect costs into EU ETS electricity prices, which for the aluminum industry are six times higher than direct costs.

According to the requirements of aluminum companies, the free ETS allocation of direct costs should be extended until 2020 for the most affected industries, in order to maintain competitiveness and the successful development of the industry in the coming years.

The letter stresses the importance of the aluminum industry in the European economy, as it provides 250 thousand direct and more than 1 million indirect jobs. The production, conversion and recycling of aluminum is an important step in the transition to a low-carbon economy, the companies emphasize in the letter.