Europe offer hope to North East steelworkers
The European Comission has published a plan of action to help save the industry and protect jobs.
North East steelworks like those in Hartlepool could be set to get a lifeline from Europe.
The European Comission has published an action plan to help support the industry and protect jobs.
Their suggestions include developing a surveillance system to cushion the industry from global trends and tackling over-capacity from China.
They've also pledged to invest in modernising the industry and investing in forward-thinking staff.
Vice-President Jyrki Katainen, responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness,said: "We must do more to help the steel sector and other energy-intensive industries adapt, innovate and compete on the basis of quality, cutting-edge technology, efficient production and a highly skilled workforce.
"We now have a record level of anti-dumping measures on steel products in place and the Commission is determined to restore a global level playing field.
"We will take steps to further streamline our procedures but Member States must also act together and urgently adopt our legislative proposal to modernise EU trade defence instruments and make fairer trade a reality."
Jobs remain at risk at sites across the North East, including at TATA Steel in Hartlepool.
North East MEP Jude Kirton-Darling says now is the time for action.
She said: "It's not the first action plan we've seen from the European Comission around the steel industry, but it's important to see that action is now actually put on the ground in concrete measures.
"Because otherwise, it's just yet more words and that doesn't help UK steelworkers or the steel industry."