EU needs regulatory harmonization for green transition – Eurometal

The Eurometal Association, which represents European distributors of steel, pipes and steel products, has emphasized the need to harmonize European regulation and support industry on the path to decarbonization.

This was discussed during a high-level stakeholder roundtable on energy-intensive industries held at the European Parliament. The event was aimed at facilitating a dialogue between policy makers and key industrial players on the future of European competitiveness in the context of the green transition.

Several recurring themes were raised in the discussion. These included the urgent need for faster and more predictable legislation, optimization of the EU regulatory framework, and reduction of the number of delegated acts. They also discussed the need to reduce energy costs for industry, particularly electricity, and to maintain Europe’s industrial competitiveness, especially in the face of unfair global practices.

Dominique Laurent, Managing Director of BELMETAL, representing Eurometal, listed the issues that need to be addressed by European officials on the path to decarbonization in Europe. He emphasized five main points.

Firstly, there is a need for clear, stable and harmonized regulation, especially on CBAM, CSRD and ESPR, to support investment planning and compliance. In addition, it is important to stimulate demand to accelerate the consumption of low-carbon steel. Targeted re-skilling and training programs are also needed that reach value chain actors, including SMEs.

Laurent emphasized the need to recognize steel reuse in ESG and environmental public procurement policies. At the same time, there is a need to support logistics infrastructure and cost-effective, low-emission transportation solutions.

Earlier, Eurometal discussed CBAM issues with the EC. Among the main ones are the practicality of the procedures, the impact on contractual obligations and supply chains. In addition, the association noted the urgent need to include key TARIC (integrated tariff rate system) codes for steel products in the mechanism. Excluding these codes could lead to carbon leakage and further undermine the competitiveness of European manufacturing.