Publications » Position papers » A call for a more effective application of existing EU policy instruments and improvements where needed
A call for a more effective application of existing EU policy instruments and improvements where needed
Downloads and links
Recent updates
Globalisation of markets and industries intensifies the distorting effects of government policies that unfairly protect and support domestic markets and industries. Thus, the EU needs to address more effectively State-led distortions that are undermining the viability of traditional and innovative European industries, both at home and abroad. The EU needs to be more assertive in using – and where needed modifying – existing tools as well as developing new policy instruments to ensure a level playing field for EU industries while at the same time creating much needed leverage at the multilateral (WTO) level. The new Commission’s encouraging political objectives and orientations need to be endorsed and supported by the Council and the European Parliament and effectively implemented by the Commission.
Download this publication or visit associated links
Brussels, 28 July 2025 — The European steel value chain is at a critical juncture. Deindustrialization is accelerating across both steel production, distribution and processing, threatening the resilience, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability of a sector essential to Europe's strategic autonomy and industrial base.
Brussels, 29 July 2025 – The proposal for a ‘highly effective’ new trade measure to counter global overcapacity and preserve the European steel industry’s capacities, published yesterday by France on behalf of a group of 11 Member States, is a timely initiative. The non-paper sets a clear course towards a comprehensive steel trade measure to replace the current safeguard regime at a critical moment, as the negative impacts of global overcapacity on the European steel industry continue to grow, says the European Steel Association (EUROFER).
Brussels, 28 July 2025 – The deal on tariffs struck by the EU with the U.S. limits the damage in the current circumstances, but the impact on European steel remains dramatic as long as 50% tariffs are still applied. A potential joint action EU-U.S. to address global overcapacity and a possible return to a tariff-rate quota system for EU exports to the U.S., as hinted at by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, are still vague and lack the necessary details to the bring the economic certainty needed by EU steel producers, says the European Steel Association.
The European Steel Association (EUROFER)
172 Avenue de Cortenbergh
1000 Brussels
Belgium
Email: mail@eurofer.eu
Phone: +32 (0) 2 738 79 20
