The European Parliament adopted a joint resolution, by 458 votes in favour, 78 against, with 23 abstentions, calling on the Member States and the Commission to promote initiatives to prevent the downscaling of the European steel industry and the consequent losses of qualified jobs, particularly at those poles of excellence where there has been much investment in innovation.

Parliament calls on the Commission to adopt a more decisive strategy to tackle industrial restructuring and its social impact.

Parliament calls on Thyssen Krupp, following such intervention by the Italian government and the Commission, to maintain worker numbers and comply with the investment plan submitted in June 2004. Parliament also express their solidarity with the workers affected, whether employed at the AST plant or in related activities, whose jobs are now at risk. Parliament considers that the use of Community funds, and especially funding for industry and from the European Social Fund, should be made available subject to specific rules relating to innovation, local development and employment.

The House calls on the Commission and national governments to introduce legislation on corporate social responsibility in the interests of sustainable development. Parliament considers that Europe must promote innovation by developing its industrial interests, especially in the advanced and high technology sectors, supporting appropriate industrial redeployment plans. Parliament emphasises that investment in research and development can be used to develop the new materials, designs and processes that can reconfigure traditional industries.

The Commission is asked to present a communication on the current state of the steel sector and to create a high-level group on this sector.

Lastly, the Commission is called upon to work for a decision at WTO and OECD level which would ensure the protection of the Union's steel industry on the international market.

The European Parliament adopted a joint resolution, by 458 votes in favour, 78 against, with 23 abstentions, calling on the Member States and the Commission to promote initiatives to prevent the downscaling of the European steel industry and the consequent losses of qualified jobs, particularly at those poles of excellence where there has been much investment in innovation.

Parliament calls on the Commission to adopt a more decisive strategy to tackle industrial restructuring and its social impact.

Parliament calls on Thyssen Krupp, following such intervention by the Italian government and the Commission, to maintain worker numbers and comply with the investment plan submitted in June 2004. Parliament also express their solidarity with the workers affected, whether employed at the AST plant or in related activities, whose jobs are now at risk. Parliament considers that the use of Community funds, and especially funding for industry and from the European Social Fund, should be made available subject to specific rules relating to innovation, local development and employment.

The House calls on the Commission and national governments to introduce legislation on corporate social responsibility in the interests of sustainable development. Parliament considers that Europe must promote innovation by developing its industrial interests, especially in the advanced and high technology sectors, supporting appropriate industrial redeployment plans. Parliament emphasises that investment in research and development can be used to develop the new materials, designs and processes that can reconfigure traditional industries.

The Commission is asked to present a communication on the current state of the steel sector and to create a high-level group on this sector.

Lastly, the Commission is called upon to work for a decision at WTO and OECD level which would ensure the protection of the Union's steel industry on the international market.