WHAT HAPPENED

EUROFER said Van Poelvoorde called for stronger home markets, secure access to export markets and a strong industrial base. He also advocated adjustments to the EU Emissions Trading System and a slower phase-out of free allocation for steel producers; these are policy requests, not implemented changes.

MetalMate summary of the linked evidence
WHY IT MATTERS

Commercial context

EUROFER’s figures indicate a difficult European steel market: EU production reached what it described as a historic low of 125.8 million tonnes in 2025 and declined another 1% year on year in January-May 2026, while exports to third countries fell 20% in the first half of 2026. The new leadership’s focus suggests trade access, domestic demand and carbon-cost policy will remain central to the sector’s competitiveness agenda.

MetalMate analysis
KEY DETAILS
  • Geert Van Poelvoorde was elected EUROFER President on 1 October 2026.
  • Peter Bernscher was elected Vice-President, with his term also beginning on 1 October 2026.
  • EUROFER reported EU steel exports to third countries fell 20% year on year in H1 2026.
  • EUROFER reported EU steel production of 125.8 million tonnes in 2025 and a further 1% decline in January-May 2026.
  • EUROFER argues that European steel must regain export markets and remain internationally competitive.
WHAT TO WATCH

Watch whether EU policymakers respond to EUROFER’s requests on the ETS and free allocation, and whether EU steel production and third-country exports stabilize. Export-market access is likely to remain a priority because EUROFER says Europe cannot rely on domestic demand alone.

Source & methodology +

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Article status
Published · Version 1
Source date
Not supplied
MetalMate publication
11 October 2026
Verification
Automated evidence checks; not human reviewed

ArcelorMittal’s Van Poelvoorde elected President of the European Steel Association, calls for stronger markets for steel ‘Made in Europe’ — EUROFER
MetalMate provides an English summary; consult the original wording.