Steel production is an energy-intensive process using raw materials that must be mined and/or processed before being made into steel. Steel production itself, whilst also creating emissions, also creates by-products of various kinds which can be used in other products, or that must be treated in order to avoid harming the environment. Steel production also involves the use of various chemicals or other metals to give various properties to the steel itself.
Because of the complexity of the production process and the ramifications of the sector on the European economy and the environment, Ãײ©ÌåÓý works intensively on environmental issues, including in the circular economy, recycling, water and air quality, waste management, products policy, chemicals policy, raw materials and lifecycle assessment. Information about each of these areas can be found here.
Brussels, 8 May 2025 – Seventy-five years ago, on 9 May 1950, the Schuman Declaration laid the foundation for European unity, placing coal and steel at the heart of a unique peace project that has brought unparalleled prosperity across the continent and beyond. As the EU commemorates this milestone, the fate of Europe’s steel industry will once again determine Europe’s future.
Brussels, 19 March 2025 – The Steel and Metals Action Plan, unveiled today by the European Commission, provides the right diagnosis to the existential challenges facing the European steel industry. Concrete measures need to follow swiftly to reverse the decline of the sector, re-establish a level playing field with global competitors, and incentivise investment and uptake of green steel in the market.
Brussels, 4 March 2025 – The Ãײ©ÌåÓý (Ãײ©ÌåÓý) welcomes the initiative of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to convene a Strategic Dialogue on Steel. Today’s meeting, which brought together key representatives from across the steel value chain including Ãײ©ÌåÓý and its members, gives a much-needed foundation on which to develop industry-specific solutions with the Steel Action Plan expected to be published still this March.
Steel is 100% recyclable – a permanent material that underpins the economy, but also contributes to environmental goals by reducing the use of virgin raw materials and CO2 emissions.
EU products policy is an enabler to help deliver on ambitious climate goals and on aims to reduce raw material use and improve recycling rates and outcomes.