Sustainability in the general sense is of vital importance to the steel sector.
EUROFER has established a sustainability strategy based on a limited number of principles, which were first laid down formally in 2016.
The chief concern of the sector is to be, and remain, a sustainable employer. From an innovation and low-carbon point of view, the European steel industry is focusing on breakthrough technologies. Air pollution and the circular economy are other key environmental issues, alongside sustainable product development.
Other sustainability priorities for the European steel industry include the promotion of steel as a multi-recyclable, permanent, and versatile material, and on the material and energy efficiency of steel production.
The four principles of EUROFER's overall sustainability strategy are:
Brussels, 22 March 2024 – The future of a strong and resilient EU can only be forged with steel made in Europe. Europe-made low-carbon steel has a strategic role as it enables a net-zero economy, but today it faces strong headwinds from high energy prices, unfair competition, global overcapacity and growing unilateral carbon costs. The year 2023 has recorded the lowest European crude steel production levels ever, with a number of idled plants and dire impact on workers. Ensuring the enabling conditions for the short-term viability and the decarbonisation of the steel sector urgently needs to be at the top of the EU agenda. This is the message delivered by the European Steel Association together with a number of high-level representatives of the sector on the occasion of the Clean Transition Dialogue on Steel in the presence of the Executive Vice Presidents of the European Commission, Maroš Šefčovič and Margrethe Vestager.
European Industry Summit: a business case for Europe, under the auspices of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU - There is an urgent need for clarity, predictability, and confidence in Europe and its industrial policy
Antwerp, 20 February 2024 – Today 73 industry leaders spanning almost 20 industrial sectors presented ‘The Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal’ to Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo and Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. The declaration underlines the commitment of industry to Europe and its transformation and outlines urgent industry needs to make Europe competitive, resilient, and sustainable in the face of dire economic conditions.