Interruptions in the gas supply would not only jeopardize production and around 500,000 jobs in the steel and metal processing industries. But also the industries of their customers: "Without intermediate goods made of metal, there would be no hypodermic needles, pacemakers or wind turbines," says Hubert Schmidt, President of the German Steel and Metal Processing Association (WSM). The WSM supports the government's call for an immediate halt to the war of aggression and the sanctions against Russia and Belarus. However, companies also need a secure energy supply and immediate financial and bureaucratic relief.
"Those responsible must be flexible now"
WSM Managing Director Christian Vietmeyer pleads for energy prices largely without state surchargesDue tothe dynamic change in the situation, the WSM is calling for swift reactions. Those responsible must now be agile, dismantle bureaucratic obstacles and immediately review and suspend new ones. Approval procedures must be shortened, e.g. for new infrastructure projects. "Politicians now have a unique opportunity to reform encrusted structures and become faster. Further oppressive compliance and documentation obligations are not acceptable," emphasizes Hubert Schmidt.
Energy prices without government surcharges
The WSM is also calling for rapid financial relief for mostly medium-sized companies in the face of escalating gas and electricity costs. "Politicians must largely free energy prices from government surcharges," says WSM Managing Director Christian Vietmeyer. "The cost explosion also requires a partnership-based understanding of cooperative solutions in the supply chains."
Steel and metal processing products are indispensable
If the government does not react immediately, almost all German industries will be affected: "Steel and metal processing products are indispensable for the automotive industry, mechanical engineering, security technology and the electrical industry, among others. Without our goods, there would be no wind turbines to make Germany independent of fossil fuels," emphasizes Schmidt. Around 500,000 jobs depend on the steel and metal processing industries alone - and millions more in the customer industries that are also affected.
