Source: European Parliament
1. The Commission is aware of the concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the availability of ferrous scrap within the EU and its potential impact on the competitiveness of the steel industry. The Commission is currently exploring various measures to ensure a stable supply and demand of ferrous scrap for EU production facilities. This includes enhancing the internal market for secondary raw materials and promoting recycling within the EU. It also includes continued monitoring of the development and functioning of these markets to ensure healthy competitive conditions. The revised EU Waste Shipment Regulation[1] sets out stricter rules on the export of waste to non-EU countries, notably requiring better monitoring and treatment of waste in an environmentally sustainable manner.
2. Ferrous scrap is a highly valuable secondary raw material that can avoid millions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and as such, the Commission recognises the strategic importance of ensuring that sufficient ferrous scrap is available. In the context of the upcoming Circular Economy Act, the Commission is also considering potential ways to create incentives for a higher share of ferrous scrap to be used in steel production in the EU. The Commission will continue to monitor the situation and engage with stakeholders to find solutions that support the competitiveness, economic security and decarbonisation of the EU steel industry.
- [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1157/oj