The European steel industry insists on compliance with internal rules in the field of green procurement
The European steel industry insists that EU member states introduce requirements for low-carbon steel of European origin in public procurement, warning that without such guarantees, the bloc's Industrial Acceleration Law risks stimulating imports rather than supporting domestic investment in decarbonization.
Eurofer, the European Steel Association, has sent a letter to the EU Competitiveness Council ahead of the May 28 meeting of the Competitiveness Council, asking the IAA to include a clear definition of "origin from the union" requiring low-carbon steel to be "melted and bottled" in the EU27 in order to qualify. to participate in public procurement and support programs.
"This is not the first time Eurofer has made such a request. The Association takes an active position on this issue, as it argues that without strict requirements on the origin of products, the minimum share of purchases can be secured through imports, which undermines the industrial base of Europe, as steel producers are making unprecedented investments in decarbonization," the association said in a letter reviewed by Platts, a member of the S&P Global Energy.
The industry group called for the harmonization of the definition of "Made in the EU" in all relevant provisions, including a low-carbon steel loan in line with CO2 standards, warning that a fragmented structure would create circumvention risks and weaken investment signals.
A stronger demand signal
Eurofer stated that the current supply does not provide sufficient certainty of demand to support investments in decarbonization of steel. The Association urged Member States to strengthen minimum requirements for public procurement and extend them to technologies covered by the Zero-Income Industry Act, including wind energy technologies.
The association stated that strengthening the IAA represents a crucial opportunity to decarbonize the European steel industry while increasing competitiveness, sustainability and strategic autonomy.
Faster trade protection
European manufacturers separately insist that the European Commission speed up investigations on trade protection and increase the staff of DG Trade, warning that long delays expose manufacturers to unfair competition.
A joint statement issued on May 26 by ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy associations, including European Metals, the European Automotive Industry Suppliers Association and European Aluminum, calls for