Publications » Position papers » A Regulatory Framework for CO2-Lean Steel Produced in Europe
‘A Regulatory Framework for CO2-Lean Steel Produced in Europe’
Downloads and links
Recent updates
With supportive conditions in place, notably a regulatory framework and infrastructures, the European steel industry will be enabled and be fully committed to contributing to the achievement of the EU’s long-term climate objectives. We would be enabled to developing, upscaling and rolling out of new technologies that could reduce our sector’s CO2 emissions by 2050 by at least 80 to 95% compared to 1990 levels.
The steel sectors in other regions of the world will follow this path, if the EU demonstrates that the decarbonisation of the sector is possible without it losing competitiveness or market share as a result of CO2 abatement cost. This is of particular importance for the protection of the earth’ climate because global steel production represents a significant share – about 7% – of the world’s anthropogenic CO2 emissions. World steel production is even forecasted to grow from 1.7 billion tonnes in 2018 to 2.8 billion tonnes in 2050. It is also unlikely that steel scrap could satisfy global steel demand before the end of the century. It is therefore essential that both primary and secondary steel production are being advanced by the EU to meet the climate objectives.
The Commission’s Strategic Vision “A Clean Planet for all” indicates that deep CO2 emissions reductions in the steel sector are possible through a combination of technological pathways, including steel recycling, carbon capture utilisation and storage, process integration, and
electricity/hydrogen-based metallurgy. At the same time, the Commission document confirms that the steel sector is the most exposed to carbon leakage among all energy-intensive industries, both in terms of possible impact on output and on investment.
Download this publication or visit associated links
Brussels, 8 May 2025 – Seventy-five years ago, on 9 May 1950, the Schuman Declaration laid the foundation for European unity, placing coal and steel at the heart of a unique peace project that has brought unparalleled prosperity across the continent and beyond. As the EU commemorates this milestone, the fate of Europe’s steel industry will once again determine Europe’s future.
Brussels, 28 April 2025 - In April 2025, EUROFER and EUROMETAL leaders convened to discuss potential collaboration areas for strengthening messaging and initiatives to support the European steel and steel-using industries. This initial exploratory meeting was prompted by the Steel Dialogue on 4 March 2025, hosted by the European Commission, during which EUROMETAL raised concerns regarding the impact of imported steel derivatives on European distribution, processing, and manufacturing industries.
Developed with the support of the Offshore Wind Foundation Alliance and European Wind Tower Association, the position paper outlines the strategic importance of wind components for Europe’s green transition and calls for targeted measures to strengthen their role within the NZIA.