The European Commission is engaging with the steel sector on the development of a voluntary low-carbon steel label — a crucial step toward making decarbonisation efforts more visible and valued in the marketplace. While the idea may seem straightforward, the discussion around the label’s design and implementation is complex and carries important implications, notably for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
On 5 June 2025, the Commission’s Directorate-Generals for CLIMA and GROW hosted a targeted stakeholder consultation workshop in Brussels, as part of the preparatory work for the upcoming Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act (IDAA). The IDAA aims to accelerate the transition to competitive, sustainable, and resilient production in energy-intensive industries.
EUROMETAL was represented in Brussels by Vice President Fernando Espada, joining 25 key participants from across the industry and associations.
We welcomed the opportunity to contribute to this important debate and used the platform to underscore a key concern: “If the goal is to reward decarbonisation and ensure fair competition, the same rules must apply not only to primary steel products, but also to so-called ‘steel derivatives’ — processed and transformed steel goods. We cannot allow a situation where European steel consumption is penalised and final customers are driven toward finished imported parts.” — Fernando Espada, Vice President, EUROMETAL.
Fair treatment across the entire value chain is essential to ensure that Europe’s decarbonisation policies strengthen — not undermine — its industrial competitiveness. As the European Commission advances the IDAA and the voluntary steel label, EUROMETAL will continue to advocate for a balanced and inclusive approach that reflects the realities of the full steel supply and processing ecosystem.
