EUROMETAL, a representative of the European steel distribution and service sector, participated in the European Commission's Dialogue on the Implementation of Rules of Origin (RoO), organized in Brussels by the Directorate General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD), chaired by European Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, responsible for EU trade and economic security.
The dialogue brought together key stakeholders to modernize and simplify the EU RoO framework, which is becoming central to trade protection, climate policy (including CBAM), and market access strategies.
Eurometal Basic requirements
During the event, EUROMETAL President Alexander Julius emphasized the importance of practical, consistent, and industry-specific RoO rules that reflect industrial realities. According to his recommendations, RoO should be aligned with new goals in the field of climate and closed-loop economics, including CBAM and the definition of "green" steel, practical rules for recycling, criteria for "melting and casting" and value-added processing should be developed, digitization tools should be compatible and accessible. For small and medium-sized businesses, as well as to close loopholes in trade protection, restrictions should be introduced on metal derivatives depending on the origin.
The European Commission's RoO Reform Program
Commissioner Sefcovic spoke about the upcoming reforms, noting that ROOS should be simplified, digitized and adapted to specific industries. He stated that inconsistent enforcement in the member States undermines the effectiveness of the system, stressing that the harmonization of RoO application is necessary to restore fairness and reduce internal market barriers. Tools such as the European data center, digital product passports, and compliance platforms based on artificial intelligence are being developed, with an emphasis on accessibility for small and medium-sized businesses. According to Sefcovic, RoO will play a more active role in creating CBAMS, safeguards and circumvention measures, and a new EU steel protection system is currently being developed, which is expected to be updated by the end of summer 2025. The EU will work closely with the US, especially on global overcapacity, he added.
Next steps for the steel industry
The European Commission invited the participants to provide recommendations on specific sectors for the formation of a final reform package. EUROMETAL has committed to maintain close cooperation with its members, European policy makers
