The European Council adopted new steel market protection regulations on 8 June 2026, replacing the existing safeguard measure that expires on 30 June 2026.
The new framework establishes a revised tariff‑rate quota (TRQ) system aimed at mitigating negative trade effects from global steel overcapacity, featuring lower import quotas and higher duties on imports that exceed those quotas.
Cyprus Energy Minister Michael Damianos emphasized steel’s importance to Europe’s industrial base, green transition, and security, stating the adoption creates a stronger framework to address market distortions and provide certainty for producers and downstream industries.
The European Council, European Parliament and European Commission reiterated their commitment to reducing economic dependence on Russia alongside the new steel measures.
