European Parliament Voting Analysis — Manufacturing — May 18–21, 2026
During the May 18–21, 2026 voting block, the European Parliament focused on the challenges and future direction of the steel and coal sectors within the EU.
EP voting block May 18–21, 2026. Per-bill sections, sorted most-contested first.
2 bills
85.4% avg margin
0 close calls (<20%)
2 bills went to a roll-call vote in this voting block.
Most contested: Research Fund for Coal and Steel: research programme and multiannual technical a (Passed, 81.6% margin).
Patriots saw the most party-line defections (12).
During the May 18–21, 2026 voting block, the European Parliament focused on the challenges and future direction of the steel and coal sectors within the EU. MEPs approved updated technical and financial guidelines for the Research Fund for Coal and Steel, aiming to support research and innovation in these industries. The Parliament also addressed the negative impact of global overcapacity—particularly from non-EU countries—on the Union steel market, signaling concern over unfair trade practices and the need to protect European manufacturing competitiveness. Both measures reflect ongoing efforts to balance industrial modernization with the realities of international market pressures.
Research Fund for Coal and Steel: research programme and multiannual technical and financial guidelines
This legislation updates the EU’s Research Fund for Coal and Steel, setting out the research programme and multiannual guidelines for technical and financial support. The fund, originally established as part of the postwar European Coal and Steel Community framework, now aims to support innovation and decarbonisation in sectors still reliant on coal and steel, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. The bill reflects ongoing efforts to balance industrial competitiveness with the EU’s climate objectives under the European Green Deal.
A10-0130/2026
No final vote recorded
Latest vote: Y 537 · N 17 · A 83
Latest gap 520 votes (81.6%)
Party split
Yes
No
Abstain
• marks parties with <75% internal cohesion
© Queen Street Analytics
Broke with party on this vote
- ECR 6: Beatrice Timgren (N), Dick Erixon (N), Emmanouil Fragkos (A), Galato Alexandraki (A), Kristoffer Storm (A), Sebastian Tynkkynen (A)
Negative trade-related effects of global overcapacity on the Union steel market
This report addresses the impact of global steel overcapacity—particularly from countries such as China—on the EU steel sector, highlighting challenges like market distortions, unfair trade practices, and job losses. It calls for stronger EU trade defense instruments and coordinated industrial policy to protect European producers from dumping and subsidized imports. The issue is central to ongoing debates about the EU’s strategic autonomy, industrial competitiveness, and relations with major trading partners.
A10-0012/2026
No final vote recorded
Latest vote: Y 606 · N 16 · A 39
Latest gap 590 votes (89.3%)
Party split
Yes
No
Abstain
• marks parties with <75% internal cohesion
© Queen Street Analytics
Broke with party on this vote
- Patriots 12: Anna Bryłka (A), Barbara Bonte (A), Elisabeth Dieringer (N), Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik (A), Georg Mayer (N), Gerald Hauser (N), Gerolf Annemans (A), Harald Vilimsky (N) …
- ESN 4: Ivan David (N), Marcin Sypniewski (Y), Sarah Knafo (Y), Stanisław Tyszka (N)
- EPP 3: Jüri Ratas (N), Riho Terras (N), Sandra Kalniete (N)
- ECR 2: Emmanouil Fragkos (A), Galato Alexandraki (A)
- S&D 2: Marina Kaljurand (A), Sven Mikser (A)
- The Left 2: João Oliveira (N), Marc Botenga (A)
- Renew 1: Urmas Paet (N)
