European Steel and Metal Industry Action Plan ()

List of Key Chapter Titles

1. Ensuring Access to Clean and Affordable Energy for the Metal Industry
2. Preventing the Risk of Carbon Leakage
3. Promoting and Protecting European Industrial Capacity
4. Advancing the Circular Economy in the Metal Industry
5. Preserving High-Quality Industrial Jobs
6. De-risking Decarbonization Projects through Lead Markets and Public Support
7. Coordinating the Implementation of a Fair Transition

Document Introduction

The establishment of the European Union is deeply intertwined with the steel industry. The steel and base metals industries serve as critical pillars for numerous downstream sectors within the EU, holding irreplaceable strategic significance for the EU's economic security and social stability. However, the industry currently faces multiple challenges, including high energy costs, unfair international competition, massive decarbonization investment needs, and a heavy regulatory burden. Global overcapacity and distortive subsidies from some countries have further exacerbated the industry's difficulties. The EU's domestic supply capacity for products such as steel, aluminum, and nickel has shown a concerning downward trend.

As a specific response to the "Clean Industrial Deal" and the "Affordable Energy Action Plan," this Action Plan constructs a comprehensive action framework around six core pillars, aiming to provide immediate relief and long-term development support for the European metals industry. The report clarifies specific action directions under each pillar, including reducing energy costs for energy-intensive industries, accelerating grid access and the application of renewable energy and low-carbon hydrogen, strengthening the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to prevent carbon leakage, and using trade defense instruments to address the impact of global overcapacity.

The Action Plan is supported by detailed data, covering key indicators such as the capacity utilization rate of the EU metals industry, its share of greenhouse gas emissions, and the domestic supply rates for various metals. It cites statistical data and research findings from authoritative bodies such as the OECD, the European Steel Association (EUROFER), and the European Aluminium Association. Furthermore, the report incorporates real-world cases from companies like ThyssenKrupp and ArcelorMittal to concretely illustrate the closure risks and transformation pressures facing the industry.

At the policy implementation level, the Action Plan establishes clear timelines and responsible entities, specifying core tasks to be completed in each quarter of 2025. These include publishing network tariff design guidelines, launching the third round of applications for the Hydrogen Bank, and revising the European Globalization Adjustment Fund regulation. These measures aim both to address the industry's immediate pressing difficulties and to build a competitive and sustainable industrial ecosystem. This will ensure a stable material supply chain for strategic EU sectors such as defense and aerospace, thereby strengthening technological sovereignty and geopolitical resilience.