At the opening of Made in Steel 2025 on May 6, top industry leaders and policymakers delivered a stark message: Europe’s steel sector is under mounting pressure and urgently needs a credible, competitiveness-driven strategy.
High energy costs, unfair foreign competition, and uncertainty over raw materials were central concerns raised during the event, held against a backdrop of global market turbulence.
“Europe Must Do More to Protect Its Steel Value Chain”
MEP Giorgio Gori, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, described the current landscape as “extremely complex,” citing inflated energy prices and growing competition from countries with looser environmental standards. He emphasized the need for a strategic framework that supports fair competition and energy resilience.
MEP Massimiliano Salini criticized the European Commission’s slow response to the Draghi Report and called for a more unified Euro-Atlantic industrial vision, aligned with the continent’s green ambitions but rooted in economic pragmatism.
CBAM Seen as a Crucial but Fragile Tool
Speakers focused heavily on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Gori labeled it a “positive tool”, but warned of loopholes and risks to European exports. Salini echoed this, urging alignment with the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and cautioning against the early removal of free allowances for energy-intensive industries.
“We need policies grounded in reality, not just rhetorical consistency,” Salini stated.
Industry Demands Realism Over Rhetoric
Antonio Gozzi, President of Federacciai, issued one of the most forceful critiques, calling the current European Steel Action Plan “deeply inadequate.” He warned that Europe cannot lead on decarbonization while suffering the highest electricity costs on the continent.
“Europe needs a revolution in thinking, not green slogans,” Gozzi said, urging technological neutrality and industrial logic.
Distribution and Recycling Sectors Seek Broader Support
Cinzia Vezzosi, President of Assofermet, emphasized that the entire supply chain—not just producers—needs support. She pointed to weak domestic demand and a flawed production-first strategy, arguing that restricting scrap exports without boosting internal use would harm recyclers more than it helps steelmakers.
“Europe’s one-sided approach won’t hold,” Vezzosi warned.
Conclusion: Time for a New Industrial Vision
Speakers were united in their view: the green transition is essential, but must be guided by realistic, incentive-based policies and stronger internal demand.
“Italy is already a model for green steel,” Gori said, referencing its strong electric arc furnace (EAF) production base.
“Now Europe must step up.”
Vezzosi added:
“Resilience has always defined our industry. But now we need a new industrial vision to turn that resilience into long-term strength.”
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