The European Commission promises to take into account Ukraine's interests in the allocation of new steel import quotas
Photo: Ursula von der Leyen / EPA

The European Commission has proposed a new plan to protect the European Union's steel industry from the unfair effects of global overcapacity, in which it promised to take Ukraine's interests into account when allocating quotas. About it says in the official statement of the European Commission.

The proposal upholds the principle of open trade and strengthens the EU's engagement with global partners to tackle overcapacity through:

  • limiting duty-free steel imports to 18.3 million tons per year (47% less than the 2024 quota);
  • doubling the duty on imports over the quota to 50% (instead of the current 25%);
  • strengthening the traceability of steel markets by introducing a "Melt and Pour" requirement to prevent circumvention of the rules.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that a strong and decarbonized steel industry is key to the EU's economic security and strategic autonomy.

"Global overcapacity is harming our industry. We need to act now – I urge the Council and Parliament to move forward quickly," she said.

The new regulation will replace the current safeguard mechanism for the steel market, which expires in June 2026. It is intended to ensure the continued protection of jobs in the sector and support its decarbonization process.

After approval by the EU Council, the European Commission will begin negotiations with trading partners on new quotas.

The countries of the European Economic Area – Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein – will not be subject to the new restrictions.

It is also noted that in allocating quotas, the EU will take into account the interests of Ukraine as a candidate country at war, without weakening the effectiveness of the measures.

The document will now be considered by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Once adopted, it will come into force in 2026, ensuring continued protection for the EU's steel sector.