ArcelorMittal urges EU action on steel plan amid industry challenges; company cites high costs, subsidized imports as threats to European steelmakers

Speaking at the 20th anniversary celebration of ArcelorMittal’s acquisition of its Polish steel unit, Poelvoorde said steel companies in the central and eastern Europe region are facing serious challenges concerning their future.

“As in the rest of Europe today, Polish steelmakers are under intense pressure, due to the high costs of making steel in Europe and the volume of subsidized, cheap imports flooding the market. As a result, the European steel industry will continue to shrink," Poelvoorde said.

"But with the right policies in place to support us, we can thrive - and our industry can continue to be the foundation of European industry - in a new era.”

Poland is preparing to hold the European Council presidency in 2025, a critical time for determining the future of European steel, ArcelorMittal said.

“Next year, more specifically the first six months of 2025, will be crucial to define the commission’s steel and metals action plan, the Clean Industrial Deal and to bring the measures necessary to create the level playing field that we need for Europe, on track. It is not an exaggeration to say that the decisions that Europe and its member states will take next year will decide on the future size of European industry and the steel industry,” Poelvoorde said.