The EC is not adhering to the spirit of the new steel safeguard measures – Interpipe CEO at URC 2026

The European Commission is not adhering to the spirit of the new legislation on safeguard measures against steel imports. This statement was made by Luca Zanotti, CEO of the Ukrainian industrial company Interpipe, during a panel discussion entitled ‘Ukraine and the EU Single Market: Turning Enlargement into an Opportunity to Boost Competitiveness’ at the URC 2026 conference on Ukraine’s recovery in Gdańsk, Poland.

“I believe that the European Commission is not adhering to the spirit of the new legislation on protective measures against steel imports. I think this is a missed opportunity for Europe in terms of strengthening supply chains and decarbonisation, as Mario Draghi mentioned in last year’s ‘EU Competitiveness Report’. “Ukraine could be the solution for heavy industry,” he said.

The CEO of Interpipe recalled that on 19 May this year, the European Parliament approved new safeguard measures against steel imports, taking into account Ukraine’s special status as a candidate country facing an exceptional security situation.

“These legislative provisions are good, but their implementation is not. Ukraine is being granted a separate tariff quota, which in itself does not constitute a preferential regime. 1 July is approaching, but we still do not know the exact size of the quota for Ukraine,” emphasised Luca Zanotti.

According to him, the EU’s protection against excess steel capacity is understandable, but the Ukrainian steel industry does not have excess capacity.

“Steel production in Ukraine has fallen by 80% since the start of the war; the sector receives no state subsidies and has the highest energy costs in Europe,” noted the CEO of Interpipe.

Luca Zanotti also emphasised that ‘Interpipe’, as a major producer of steel pipes and railway products, is already ready to meet European standards.

“Europe is our largest market because, since 2012, we have invested billions, guided by two principles: free trade and compliance with the strictest EU standards,” stated the top executive.

It is worth recalling that Luca Zanotti believes Ukraine should be exempted from steel quotas under the EU’s new trade measures – he made this statement during a video interview with the American publication Politico.