The action plan is built on six key pillars, including ensuring access to clean energy, preventing carbon leakage, strengthening industrial capacities, promoting metal circularity, defending industrial jobs, and de-risking decarbonization projects.
To curb rising imports, the Commission will reinforce the current steel safeguard measures starting April 1, targeting a 15pct reduction in imports. A new, more effective safeguard system will be introduced in 2025 to replace the existing one, which expires in June 2026. These efforts come as the EU seeks to shield its steel industry from a potential influx of redirected exports following the U.S. tariff hikes.
Additionally, the Commission plans to launch investigations into aluminum imports and explore implementing similar safeguard measures. It will also reform the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) by the end of the year, addressing exports, anti-circumvention measures, and product scope expansion to protect European producers.