IndustriAll Europe's Executive Committee Addresses Congress Preparations and Transatlantic Trade Disputes

The meeting hosted delegates from unions representing the oil, chemical, rubber, metal, and textile industries spanning Europe. The assembly of approximately 100 union officials included a delegation from Turkey's Petrol-İş Union, consisting of President Süleyman Akyüz, General Financial Secretary Mahmet Kaya, General Administrative Secretary Ali Haluk Koşar, and International Relations Expert Rıza Köse.

The session was formally opened by IndustriAll Europe President Michael Vassiliadis, setting the stage for a comprehensive agenda. Following the ratification of the agenda, the secretariat presented its report, detailing the organization's activities over the preceding three months to the attending representatives.

A central focus of the Executive Committee's deliberations was the upcoming IndustriAll Europe Congress, slated to take place in June. Preparations for this significant event were a key priority.

In anticipation of the congress, proposals for the new leadership of IndustriAll Europe were put forward, encompassing nominations for President, Vice Presidents, General Secretary and their deputies, the Executive Committee, and the Audit Committee. Notably, Petrol-İş Union from Turkey received nominations for two key positions: President Süleyman Akyüz was proposed as a full member of the Executive Committee, while General Secretary Ahmet Baranlı was nominated as a substitute member. The detailed planning for the congress was thoroughly discussed. Demonstrating its active role on the international stage, Petrol-İş Union also presented a joint motion with allied unions, highlighting their close collaborative relationships.

Another critical issue that garnered significant attention during the IndustriAll Europe Executive Committee meeting was the escalating trade tensions between the United States and the European Union. Concerns were raised regarding the steps taken by the Donald Trump administration in the US, which were perceived as moves towards initiating a trade war between the two economic powerhouses. This prospect was strongly condemned as unacceptable, with warnings that the rising global trade tensions could have detrimental effects on European industries and industrial workers.

In response to these concerns, the IndustriAll Europe Executive Committee issued a clear statement: "It urgently called on European leaders (both within and beyond the EU) to take measures against the US administration's decision to impose a 25% tariff on automobiles imported from Europe (European automotive exports) and the possibility of additional tariffs being applied to other EU exports to the US in the coming days." The IndustriAll Europe leadership underscored that its primary objective in this context is the safeguarding of European industry and the protection and improvement of the working and living conditions of industrial workers across Europe.

The IndustriAll Europe Executive Committee meeting concluded with the discussion and resolution of various financial and organizational matters, marking the end of a productive session addressing key challenges and strategic priorities for the European industrial workforce.