Overview

• Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to do everything to preserve Germany’s steel production, calling it a strategic national interest.
• He said he would negotiate details of the US-EU steel tariff agreement to secure export quotas exempt from steep American duties.
• In the coming weeks his government will hold intensive site visits and worker consultations to craft a durable national steel strategy.
• Saarland Minister-President Anke Rehlinger welcomed the commitment while urging prompt clarity on energy pricing, regulatory conditions and hydrogen infrastructure for green steel.
• During his inaugural visit to Saarland, Merz toured the Völklinger Hütte heritage site and the CISPA research institute as part of planned trips to all 16 regional governments.