Steel production is an energy-intensive process using raw materials that must be mined and/or processed before being made into steel. Steel production itself, whilst also creating emissions, also creates by-products of various kinds which can be used in other products, or that must be treated in order to avoid harming the environment. Steel production also involves the use of various chemicals or other metals to give various properties to the steel itself.
Because of the complexity of the production process and the ramifications of the sector on the European economy and the environment, EUROFER works intensively on environmental issues, including in the circular economy, recycling, water and air quality, waste management, products policy, chemicals policy, raw materials and lifecycle assessment. Information about each of these areas can be found here.
Brussels, 4 March 2025 – The European Steel Association (EUROFER) welcomes the initiative of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to convene a Strategic Dialogue on Steel. Today’s meeting, which brought together key representatives from across the steel value chain including EUROFER and its members, gives a much-needed foundation on which to develop industry-specific solutions with the Steel Action Plan expected to be published still this March.
Brussels, 27 February 2025 – The European Steel Association (EUROFER) welcomes the joint initiative of French Minister for Industry and Energy Marc Ferracci and Italian Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso to convene a Ministerial Conference on the Future of the European Steel Industry in Paris today. This meeting complements initiatives at EU level by facilitating a pan-European assessment of the plight of the European steel sector and providing an additional opportunity to outline necessary solutions that will feed into the Steel Action Plan.
Brussels, 26 February 2025 – The Clean Industrial Deal, unveiled today by the European Commission, acknowledges the strategic role of the European steel industry and the existential challenges it faces. Yet, concrete solutions are either left open for later decisions, such as those on global steel overcapacity and loopholes in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), or addressed with incomplete measures, as in the case of energy prices. Without structural solutions to these issues, laudable initiatives on lead markets, local content and circular economy risk being insufficient to turn the tide, notes the European Steel Association (EUROFER).
Steel is 100% recyclable – a permanent material that underpins the economy, but also contributes to environmental goals by reducing the use of virgin raw materials and CO2 emissions.
EU products policy is an enabler to help deliver on ambitious climate goals and on aims to reduce raw material use and improve recycling rates and outcomes.