Brussels, 05/05/2004 (Agence Europe) - By adopting, during its April plenary session, the own initiative opinion of its general rapporteur, Göran Lagerholm (Swedish Federation of Economic Activities SN) on the repercussions of trade policy on industrial changes, particularly in the steel sector, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) have sought to "highlight the importance of continuing and consolidating European trade policy that fights against unfair trade practices, ensures the promotion of free market access through multilateral trade regulation and which will continue to buttress future EU economic trade".
In a press statement the EESC pointed out that over the last 20 years the EU had successfully reformed, restructured and consolidated its steel industry, transforming it into a world leader in the sector, capable of weathering tough competition from abroad that desists from requesting state aid and which is able to effectively comply with global trade rules. The EESC affirms that the greater degree of consensus between management and workers that has recognised the need to embrace reform of the industry rather than fight it, is a key for this success.