The European Steel Association EUROFER has elected Geert Van Poelvoorde, Chairman of the Board of ArcelorMittal Europe Steel, as the new president of the organization. He will take office on October 1, 2026.
Van Pelvoorde will replace Henrik Adam, who has been the head of the association since November 2023. Adam will soon assume his duties as CEO of the World Steel Manufacturers Association. Peter Bernscher from Tata Steel Nederland was also elected Vice President of EUROFER.
The new president outlined as key tasks the strengthening of the European steel market, maintaining access to foreign markets and creating conditions under which investments in industry will remain competitive.
The appointment came amid weak demand and declining exports. According to EUROFER's latest steel market forecast, steel shipments from the EU to third countries decreased by 20% in the first half of 2026. Steel output in Europe in 2025 amounted to 125.8 million tons, and decreased by another 1% in the first five months of 2026.
Van Pelvoorde welcomed the new EU steel trade measures, which came into force on July 1. He called them an important basis for combating global overproduction. According to EUROFER, these measures can create conditions for the restoration of steel production in Europe by about 15 million tons per year.
He also called for lower energy costs, increased demand for European-made products, and a review of the emissions trading system to support investment in low-carbon steel production.
In addition, Van Pelvoorde stressed the need to address the carbon costs that European producers face in global markets. According to him, a structural approach to export support is needed and a smoother phase-out of free emissions permits until comparable conditions are created in all steel regions.