In a written answer to a parliamentary question, the European Commission has outlined a range of existing EU policy instruments that could be used to support the Liberty Galati steel plant in Romania, but stopped short of committing to a dedicated EU-level plan for the site. The answer, given by Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera on behalf of the Commission, emphasises that the European Steel and Metals Action Plan adopted in March 2025 already provides a roadmap for the sector's competitiveness and decarbonisation.
The question was tabled by Romanian MEP Diana Iovanovici Șoșoacă (NI) on 26 February 2026, who argued that the plant – the largest steel producer in Romania and a key industrial asset in South-East Europe – should be treated as a strategic EU objective, especially given its proximity to Ukraine and its potential role in defence supply chains and post-war reconstruction.
In her response, Ribera listed numerous existing instruments that could be applied to the plant's situation: trade defence measures, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, funding for low-carbon technologies under the European Green Deal, the Industrial Accelerator Act, and various social funds and state aid guidelines. She also noted that Romania has already included the Liberty Galati plant in its Just Transition Programme, which provides funding for clean technology transitions and worker retraining.
Policy orientation: The Commission's answer signals a preference for using existing frameworks rather than creating new, site-specific mechanisms. This reflects a broader EU approach of sector-wide support rather than targeted intervention for individual plants, even those with strategic importance. The response is largely declarative, listing available tools without offering concrete new commitments or deadlines for the Galati site.
Expected follow-up: The Commission states it is ready to discuss any planned measures by Romania under EU competition rules, suggesting that further action depends on Romanian authorities submitting specific proposals. No timeline for such discussions was provided. The answer implies that the ball is now in Romania's court to request tailored support under existing EU programmes.