Brussels, June 8, 2026 – The Europe Today: The European Council on Monday adopted a regulation establishing a new framework aimed at protecting the European Union’s steel market from the adverse trade-related effects of global overcapacity, in line with the objectives set out in the 2025 Steel and Metals Action Plan.
The new regulation will replace the existing EU steel safeguard measures, which are due to expire on June 30, 2026, ensuring continued protection for the bloc’s steel industry against market distortions and unfair competition.
Under the revised framework, which will take effect on July 1, the current safeguard measures will be replaced following approval by 25 of the EU’s 27 member states.
The updated rules provide for a reduction of duty-free import quotas by approximately 47%, allowing up to 18.3 million tonnes of steel to enter the EU market annually without tariffs. Imports exceeding these quotas will be subject to a 50% customs duty, doubling the current rate of 25%.
The European Council said the move forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the EU’s industrial base and enhance the resilience of its steel sector amid growing global competitive pressures and persistent excess production capacity in international markets.
The new framework is expected to provide greater stability for European steel producers while supporting the bloc’s long-term industrial and economic objectives.
