Henrik Adam, President of the European steel Association EUROFER, met with the heads of the Turkish steel industry in Istanbul. The negotiations focused on the carbon adjustment mechanism at the EU border, the costs associated with carbon emissions, and the competitiveness of steel producers operating in the European market.
The meeting was held at the Chiragan Palace on the initiative of the ALMAMET international group. It brought together top managers of Turkish steel companies, representatives of industry organizations and the European steel sector.
Following the event, it was noted that Henrik Adam presented an assessment of the EU regulatory framework related to carbon emissions and spoke about the progress of CBAM implementation. The participants also discussed the prospects of the European steel industry, as well as the market and competitive conditions that will affect the industry.
As of January 1, 2026, CBAM is moving to the final stage of application. The mechanism applies to imports into the EU from a number of carbon-intensive industries, including metallurgy. Importers must report on the emissions associated with the supplied goods and purchase an appropriate number of CBAM certificates. If it can be confirmed that the carbon fee has already been paid in the country of production, this amount can be deducted.
The mechanism is designed to equalize the cost of imported products with the costs incurred by European producers under the EU emissions trading system.
At the meeting, they discussed separately how the costs associated with CBAM and compliance requirements could affect Turkish companies supplying products to customers in the European Union. Other topics included emissions management, investments in low-carbon production, environmental performance, and the effects of changes in EU climate and trade policies.
The participants also raised the issue that carbon intensity of production and compliance with regulatory requirements are increasingly affecting access to the European market.
Among the participants of the meeting were CEO of Çolakoğlu Metalurji and Chairman of the World Steel Manufacturers Association Ugur Dalbeler, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Tosyalı Holding Fuat Tosyali, Chairman of the Board of Çolakoğlu Metalurji Hassan Cholakoglu and Secretary General of the Turkish Steel Manufacturers Association Veysel Yayan.
Representatives of Izmir Demir Çelik, Diler Holding, Kardemir Çelik, Habaş, Hasçelik, Tata Steel Ticaret and Kroman Çelik companies also participated in the meeting.
ALMAMET International Group was represented by Karl Koehler, Owner and Chairman of the Management Board, and Tolga Imrag, CEO. In addition, the founder of Metser Demir Çelik, Sezai Atay, attended the meeting.
