The event organized at the European Parliament by the Vice President of the European Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and Head of PASOK’s European Parliamentary Group, Yannis Maniatis, as part of Metals Day 2026, was successfully held. The event was co-organized in cooperation with European Metals, the European association of non-ferrous metals industries, which represents more than 900 productive metallurgical units, directly employing 500,000 workers.
At a critical juncture for the future of the broader European industry, the Greek MEP, during his speech, highlighted the importance of a new, ambitious, and strong industrial policy that will strengthen production within the EU, accelerate decarbonization, and create quality jobs.
With European production representing only 14% of the EU’s GDP, energy-intensive industries facing strong pressures due to energy costs, and the Union’s dependencies in strategic sectors intensifying, strengthening Europe’s productive base is the only way forward.
The PASOK MEP made extensive reference to the need for the concept of “Made in Europe” to acquire real substance throughout the value chain. He also stressed that it is not enough for the final assembly of a product to take place in Europe, but that its critical raw materials and key components must also be produced there.
In this context, he highlighted the strategic role of metals in building European resilience and autonomy, which, as he underlined, cannot be achieved without clean, predictable, and affordable energy.
Referring to Greece, G. Maniatis pointed out the importance of the metals industry for the Greek economy and local communities, stressing that the green transition cannot move forward without a strong and competitive European industry, capable of maintaining production, investments, and quality jobs in Europe.
“Made in Europe” must acquire real substance that will contribute to the Union’s resilience and autonomy. In this direction, the European Metals Industry can play a leading role, noted G. Maniatis and continued “There is no green transition without metals. Every wind turbine, battery, or cable depends on them. If Europe wants to lead the green transition, it must itself produce the materials on which it is based.”