At its plenary session on Tuesday 19 May, the European Parliament approved the new regulation designed to protect the European steel industry, with 606 votes in favour, 16 against and 39 abstentions.
The European Parliament and the EU Council reached a common position last April (see EUROPE 13848/3). On Tuesday, this compromise was adopted by a large majority. The text provides for a reduction in the total volume of steel import quotas of around 47% compared to 2024, or 18.3 million tonnes per year. Above this volume, over-quota duties of 50% will apply (compared with 25% at present). These measures are designed to discourage excessive imports from third countries, while guaranteeing them controlled access to the European market.
The situation of Ukraine, as a candidate country with particular security concerns, will be taken into account when allocating national quotas, says the European Parliament in a press release. “We welcome today’s strong backing by the European Parliament for the new EU steel trade measure. At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty and market distortions, this sends an important signal that the EU is prepared to act to defend its industrial base, security and autonomy,” said Axel Eggert, Director General of the European Steel Association (EUROFER). Once formally approved by the EU Council, the text will come into force on 1 July, the day after the current safeguard measures expire. (Original version in French by Juliette Verdes)