Steelworkers Protest in Brussels as Documentary Exposes Crisis in European Steel Industry
Thousands of steelworkers took to the streets of Brussels on Wednesday, demanding EU intervention to support the European steel industry, which is facing a prolonged decline exacerbated by high energy costs, Chinese competition, and industrial overcapacity. The demonstration coincided with the release of the new documentary film, "L'acier a coulé dans nos veines" ("Steel Flowed Through Our Veins"), which paints a poignant picture of the struggles faced by steelworkers in Belgium and the broader European context.
Directed by Thierry Michel, the film offers an intimate look at the steel industry’s history through the eyes of workers in the Wallonia region of southern Belgium, once a steelmaking powerhouse. The documentary recounts the industry's seven-decade journey, capturing the euphoria of its rise and the devastation caused by its steady decline. For many, the film serves as a powerful parable of the broader effects of globalization and capitalism on local industries and labor.
A Once Thriving Industry Faces Crisis
The steel industry in Belgium and much of Europe has experienced severe job losses and plant closures over the past several decades, driven by a combination of economic shifts, technological advancements, and global competition. According to Eurofer, an industry association, the European steel sector has already lost nearly 100,000 jobs in the last 15 years, and more cuts are expected in the coming years.
The decline has been compounded by high energy costs in Europe and the influx of cheap steel imports from countries like China. In fact, China's excess industrial capacity has led to cheap exports, often subsidized by the Chinese government, putting European producers at a significant disadvantage. As a result, EU steel manufacturers have struggled to remain competitive, with many fearing that all European steel plants could be at risk of closure by 2025.
Workers Unite in Protest
On Wednesday, steelworkers from across the region marched through the streets of Brussels, demanding that the European Union take immediate action to save the industry. The protestors waved trade union flags, and many held signs reading slogans such as "European Union, wake up!" and "Save our steel!"
The protest is not the first of its kind. Steelworkers and union representatives have been raising concerns for years about the lack of sufficient support from the EU and the Belgian government in addressing the industry's ongoing challenges. In response to the crisis, the EU Commission has promised to publish an action plan aimed at revitalizing Europe’s economy and supporting struggling industries, including steel.
The Impact of Globalization on Steelworkers
The documentary, which focuses on the lives of workers in Wallonia, provides a deep and emotional exploration of the human side of industrial decline. The film’s portrayal of immigrant workers from Italy, Poland, and Yugoslavia who labored alongside Belgian workers in harsh conditions adds another layer of complexity to the story. For many workers, the steel plants were places of pride and sacrifice, despite the grueling and dangerous nature of their work.
“We felt like we were doing a special job,” says Frédéric Gillot, a former union representative in the film. However, the euphoria of early industrial success gradually gave way to a reality marked by demolitions, closures, and restructuring efforts, leaving behind a legacy of uncertainty for future generations.
The film also highlights the contrast between the past, when the steel sector was a pillar of economic strength in Belgium, and the present, when the industry faces an existential crisis. It paints a vivid picture of the struggles of workers who have seen their livelihoods, and entire communities, shaped by the fortunes of the steel industry.
EU Urged to Act as Industry Faces Collapse
In November 2024, Eurofer warned that Europe's steel industry was facing an "irreversible decline" unless the EU took immediate and bold action. Among the proposed measures were increased trade protections to combat the flood of cheap steel imports from outside the EU, and ensuring the availability of affordable clean energy to help European producers remain competitive. Without these measures, the sector could face further job losses and plant closures, as companies like ArcelorMittal have already warned of the potential for widespread shutdowns.
While the EU Commission has recognized the need for action and plans to release an action plan to support local industries, there are fears that the response may come too late for many workers. Thierry Michel, the filmmaker, questions whether the awareness surrounding the crisis is enough to spark meaningful change: "There is awareness, but isn’t it late?" he said.
The Future of Europe's Steel Industry
As the steel industry continues its fight for survival, workers and unions remain vocal in their demands for a stronger, more supportive approach from the EU. The future of Europe's steel sector now depends on whether trade protection measures, energy reforms, and a comprehensive industrial policy can stem the tide of decline.
With more than 300,000 people currently employed in Europe’s steel industry, the stakes are high, not only for the workers but also for the broader European economy. As the documentary and the protests show, the steel industry remains at the heart of the region’s industrial identity, and the struggle to preserve it is far from over.
