NRW offers further reinforcement to employers
In a recent development, SPD politician Sonja Bongers has expressed concern about the future of the steel industry, particularly in Oberhausen, and has voiced her support for a proposed steel summit. The summit, aimed at securing industrial jobs and ensuring the long-term future of steel production, will reportedly include discussions with key players such as ThyssenKrupp and Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann (HKM).
The steel summit is intended to address the potential impact on the city of Oberhausen due to changes in the steel industry. The sale of 20% of ThyssenKrupp's steel division to the Czech investor Daniel Kretinsky's EP Corporate Group a.s. (EPCG) has caused uncertainty among employees of thyssenkrupp Steel, HKM, and the steel industry as a whole.
Bongers, in her statement, expressed a desire to preserve well-paid industrial jobs in Oberhausen and to work out a common path for the steel industry in the state. The steel summit will also involve the collective bargaining partners of all steel sites in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The steel summit is intended to be supported by the democratic factions of the North Rhine-Westphalia state parliament. The long-term goal is to increase the stake held by the investor to 50%.
The summit will also include discussions with ThyssenKrupp and the influence of the Krupp Foundation to develop a viable industrial transformation and future concept. The goal of the steel summit is to ensure far-reaching site, employment, and plant security for thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG and HKM.
It is important to note that as of July 29, 2025, no public details on such a summit—if planned or held—are currently available or reported in the latest industry news sources. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, checking official corporate press releases or contacting their corporate communications directly would be advisable.
ThyssenKrupp is historically and currently linked to Oberhausen, making the future of the steel industry in the city a matter of significant importance. Bongers mentioned the unsuccessful entry of some investors, citing Benko and the Galeria-Kaufhof story as an example, highlighting the need for careful consideration and strategic planning to secure the future of the steel industry in Oberhausen.
The steel summit aims to discuss and secure the future of thyssenkrupp Steel, HKM, and the steel industry in Oberhausen. Bongers, in support of the summit, has emphasized the need for preserving well-paid industrial jobs and collaborating to create a common path for the steel industry in the state, potentially including discussions related to casino-and-gambling ventures for revenue generation and alternative employment opportunities.
