Climate protection is the focus of much of the European Steel Association's work. Continuing the downward trend in energy use and climate-impacting greenhouse gas emissions is essential to ensuring the sustainability of the European steel sector.
The European steel industry is the most advanced of its kind in the world. As it is, Europe leads the way in environmental and climate performance. CO2 emissions and energy use in European steel production have been halved since 1960, and the sector has the ambition to further achieve cuts of between 80-95% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.
This transition will require significant investment in new technological development and deployment, in energy infrastructure, consumption and type, and will require access to high-quality
materials, such as iron ore and scrap. EUROFER works on climate and energy issues to establish how this essential change can happen in the sector, ensuring that Europe remains on track to fulfil its Paris Climate Accords requirements, whilst also making European steel fit for a clean, low-carbon future.
Brussels, 12 June 2026 - Europe's steel industry has noted improvements made by EU ministers to the proposed reform of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), but warns loopholes remain that could weaken both Europe's climate ambitions and industrial competitiveness.
EUROFER’s Annual Report 2026 sets out the key economic trends, policy developments and challenges shaping the future of the European steel industry today.
Production falls to record low despite recovery in demand