A coalition of European EAF steelmakers, major recycling firms, and Recycling Europe has issued a high-level warning to President Ursula von der Leyen, expressing “serious concerns” about the EU’s current direction on green steel labeling.
Concern Over a Single Label
The group argues that a uniform green label—designed around the blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) route—would fail to recognize the low-CO₂ footprint of EAF steelmaking, which already:
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Represents ~45% of Europe’s steel output
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Is electrified, recycling-based, and inherently circular
They say such a label would be “counterproductive”, undermining EAF producers despite their climate advantages.
Risk of Market Distortions
The coalition warns that a poorly designed label could:
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Displace European EAF production
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Increase imports of higher-carbon steel
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Undermine EU decarbonisation goals
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Ignore critical Scope 3 emissions relevant to alloys, DRI, and HBI
Call for a Differentiated Approach
Signatories call for:
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A fit-for-purpose methodology reflecting real emission profiles
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Stronger integration with existing EU circularity and carbon-reduction rules
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Broader consultation with recycling-route producers, who were largely excluded from the initial process
The letter was signed by EAF producers in 15 countries and major recyclers including Galloo, EMR, Stena, Kuusakoski, and steelmakers such as Celsa, Feralpi, Pittini, Tenaris, Riva, Sidenor, and others.
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