Discussion Paper: European Lead Markets for Clean Steel
18 Februar 2025 | The steel industry stands at a critical juncture, facing challenges in competitiveness and the urgent need for decarbonisation. The Steel industry in Germany welcomes the initiative of the Clean Industrial Deal that supports the competitive decarbonisation of European industry, including the creation of lead markets for clean products and preference for European products in strategic sectors, as outlined in the Political Guidelines of the European Commission 2024-2029. The forthcoming Clean Industrial Deal and Steel and Metals Action Plan must contain concrete measures for the progressive uptake of clean steel, i.e. CO2 reduced and near zero steel, in steel using sectors. This position paper outlines concrete options to implement lead markets for clean steel made in Europe at the EU level. The Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS) already provides a label for low-emission steel, which should serve as a foundation for lead markets.
Establishing lead markets requires:
- clear definitions for labeling CO2-reduced steel,
- tailored instruments to stimulate demand in key steel using sectors,
- and robust to ensure reliable demand for low-emission products.
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