The European Commission plans to ease the future rules that require the use of green steel in public procurement, according to a commission document reported by the “Handelsblatt” (Thursday edition). While a proportion of the steel must still be produced in a climate‑neutral way, the new proposal no longer mandates that this steel be made within the EU.
Specifically, at least 25 % of the steel used in public contracts would have to be low‑ or zero‑emission. The same 25 % requirement applies to aluminium, cement, and other products, but unlike those materials the wording “from the EU” is omitted for steel-a phrase that used to be part of earlier drafts and was central to the previous rule.
The commission says the change is justified because European steel producers already enjoy trade‑protection measures. The proposal-part of the planned “Industrial Accelerator Act”-was slated for presentation next week, though it may be postponed again amid internal disagreements.
