The European Steel Association (EUROFER) has elected Geert Van Poelvoorde, Chairman of the Board of ArcelorMittal Europe Steel, as its new President, effective 1 October 2026.
He succeeds Henrik Adam, who led the association since November 2023 and is taking up the role of Director General of the World Steel Association. Peter Bernscher of Tata Steel Nederland has also been elected Vice-President of EUROFER.
On taking office, Van Poelvoorde identified stronger European markets across the steel value chain, access to export markets and competitive conditions for industrial investment as priorities.
His appointment comes amid weak demand and declining exports. According to EUROFER’s latest economic and steel market outlook, EU steel exports to third countries fell by 20% in the first half of 2026. European steel production stood at 125.8 million tonnes in 2025 and declined by a further 1% in the first five months of 2026.
Van Poelvoorde welcomed the EU’s new steel trade measure, in force since 1 July, describing it as an important foundation for addressing global overcapacity. EUROFER estimates that the measure could create conditions for the recovery of around 15 million tonnes of European steel production annually.
He also called for competitive energy costs, stronger demand for EU-made products and changes to the EU Emissions Trading System to support investment in low-carbon steelmaking.
On exports, Van Poelvoorde urged the EU to address the carbon-cost disadvantage faced by European producers in international markets. He advocated a structural solution for exports and a significantly slower phase-out of free emissions allowances until enabling conditions are in place across steel-producing regions.
