Arcelor Mittal, at the European Business Summit

The European Business Summit 2007 took place in Brussels on the 15 and 16 March. It is Europe’s most important dialogue between business leaders and policy makers.

This is the 5th time the summit has been held, and this year is on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which initially established the European Community. Arcelor Mittal was one of the main partners and was represented by GMB member Michel Wurth.

“Although we enjoy a global position, the company has deep roots in Europe which we are very proud of and committed to maintaining.”

During his speech ‘Reform to perform: how to boost business in Europe’ session, Mr Wurth went on to say “As a leading Europe based, global player, Arcelor Mittal is strongly committed to increasing our investment and competitiveness in Europe,” He stated that Arcelor Mittal would work closely with the European Union to achieve mutually beneficial goals in the fight against climate change amongst other issues.

Arcelor Mittal has already reduced CO2 emissions by more the 20% since 1990, exceeding European Kyoto targets by about two and half times. Mr Wurth underlined that “However, the more efficient we become, the harder it is to make further significant reductions”, he added that the current scheme of reducing CO2 allowances in Europe was unlikely to solve the global climate change problem. “We believe a sector-specific approach is needed to achieve ambitious but realistic and cost-effective CO2 reductions. Climate change needs to be tackled globally.”

In addition Mr Wurth also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of combining the forces of business and politics in the fields of R&D, trade, education and training.

More information about the Business Summit here