German Ambassador Visits Feralpi Group in Lonato to Discuss European Steelmaking

Feralpi Group hosted German Ambassador Thomas Bagger at its headquarters in Lonato del Garda on June 25, 2026, in a high-level meeting with the Pasini family to discuss the challenges and future of the Italy–Germany steel partnership. The talks focused on how the two countries can respond to a rapidly changing global economy and protect the competitiveness of their steel industry.

Alongside Feralpi executives, the meeting also included MP Giangiacomo Calovini and Senator Mariastella Gelmini. Participants reviewed key issues for the European steel sector, including geopolitical tensions, market volatility, and intensifying international competition, with particular concern over rising imports of steel from non-EU countries. The ambassador stressed the importance of a coordinated approach for a “sovereign Europe,” saying Germany and Italy—among the EU’s largest industrial powers—must act together to strengthen European steel competitiveness.

Feralpi President Giuseppe Pasini reiterated the group’s long-standing presence in Germany for more than 30 years and called for immediate EU-level action on two fronts: energy and raw materials. He said the sector needs common policies to narrow energy-cost gaps and secure stable, competitive prices, while also warning against the “leakage” of scrap metal outside the EU, calling it a strategic input for electric-arc steelmaking and a key resource for decarbonising the supply chain. The visit ended with a tour of Lonato facilities showcasing investments aimed at decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and circular economy initiatives.
Italian Version