European Commission Executive Vice President Stefan Sejourne said that in order to protect the steel industry during the decarbonization process, the European Commission (EC) is considering extending measures to restrict steel imports.

During a visit to the ArcelorMittal plant in Ghent, Belgium, he pointed out that the priority is to reduce energy costs and deal with overcapacity in China while supporting European steelmakers to reduce emissions.

Since the US imposed steel tariffs in 2018, the EU has implemented safeguard measures to restrict steel imports, which will expire in 2026. Sejourne said that even if it expires, the steel industry still needs further protection and plans to introduce alternative measures that are consistent with WTO rules.