Czech Steelmaker Calls for Tariffs to Back Europe’s Defense Push

The boss of the biggest Czech steelmaker said Europe must protect the struggling sector or risk undermining its drive to bolster its military capabilities.

Metals companies in the European Union are grappling with excessive regulation, high energy costs and unfair competition from abroad, according to Petr Popelar, chief executive officer of Moravia Steel. He called for import tariffs and quotas, as well as more public funding to help the industry meet environmental targets.