Germany urges EU to increase use of low-emission steel in automotive sector

Germany has called on the European Union to significantly increase the use of low-emission steel in the automotive industry as part of a broader effort to align industrial policy with Europe's climate-neutral goals. In a joint letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, 11 German prime ministers called on the Commission to establish regulatory coherence between the steel and automotive sectors.

Pure steel as the foundation of Europe's industrial and climatic future

Kerstin Maria Rippel, CEO of the German Federation of Steel Manufacturers (WV Stahl), welcomed the move, stressing that low-emission steel production in Germany and across the EU is essential to protect the continent's industrial base during the transition to climate neutrality.

She stressed that market incentives across the entire value chain, starting with basic materials, are necessary to ensure competitiveness and support long-term investments in clean technologies.

The inclusion of low-emission steel in fleet targets, seen as a key policy tool

Rippel identified one policy mechanism with significant potential: enabling car manufacturers to credit proven carbon emissions reductions achieved by certified low-emission steel, in line with their EU fleet emission targets. This approach will strengthen the creation of industrial value, increase competitiveness and at the same time support climate protection, she added.

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