The European Union should view Ukrainian metallurgy as a strategic partner rather than a threat to the European market, according to Karin Karlsbro, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament Committee on International Trade. Her position comes as the EU prepares a new regime for steel trade after the current safeguard system expires.
Ukraine is exempt from the existing EU steel safeguard measures until the summer of 2028. However, the sector is concerned that the next trade mechanism could impose a separate tariff quota for Ukrainian products and weaken access to the European market at a critical moment.
Steel under wartime pressure
Karlsbro argues that Ukrainian steel cannot be compared with global overcapacity. The country’s metallurgy has been damaged by Russian attacks, disrupted logistics and the loss of major industrial assets. Current steel capacity is far below pre-invasion levels, while the sector remains essential for jobs, exports, infrastructure repair and defense needs.
During a visit to Interpipe Steel, she said the EU should account for these conditions when designing new rules. For Ukraine, the question is not only trade protection. It is whether one of the country’s core industrial sectors can keep operating while the state moves toward EU membership.
Trade policy and reconstruction
The debate also connects to the EU Green Deal and carbon regulation. Ukrainian producers face the challenge of rebuilding, investing in cleaner production and adapting to CBAM-related requirements, all while operating in wartime conditions.
If European rules are too restrictive, they could slow industrial recovery and reduce Ukraine’s ability to contribute to the EU supply chain. If they are balanced, Ukrainian metallurgy could become part of Europe’s security, reconstruction and green industrial strategy.
Karlsbro’s message is therefore practical: Ukraine’s steel sector should be treated as an asset for Europe. That means predictable access, realistic transition rules and recognition that Ukrainian industry is rebuilding under circumstances no other candidate country faces.
