Polish MEP Jadwiga Wiśniewska (ECR) has asked the European Commission to recognise the coking industry as a strategic sector for EU economic security, reduce the burden of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) on coke producers, and consider market protection measures such as import tariffs or quotas. The written question, submitted on 22 April 2026, highlights the financial difficulties of Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa Koks S.A., the EU's largest coke producer, which supplies around 3.5 million tonnes of coke annually to the steel industry and downstream sectors including defence, automotive, and infrastructure.
Wiśniewska argues that rising regulatory costs from the EU ETS and competition from cheaper imports from China and Indonesia threaten to erode EU production capacity and increase dependence on third countries. Her question contains three concrete asks: a strategic sector designation, ETS relief, and trade defence measures. The Commission typically has six weeks to reply, and its answer will signal whether it views the coking sector as critical to EU strategic autonomy or prioritises climate goals over industrial competitiveness.
Policy orientation
The MEP's question reflects a tension between the EU's climate ambitions and its industrial competitiveness. By calling for ETS relief and import restrictions, Wiśniewska advocates for shielding a carbon-intensive industry from both internal carbon costs and external competition. This aligns with a broader push by some member states and industry groups to protect energy-intensive sectors during the green transition.
Expected follow-up
The Commission's response will clarify whether it considers the coking sector eligible for support under the Critical Raw Materials Act or other strategic frameworks. It may also indicate openness to trade measures or insist on maintaining current ETS rules. The answer will be closely watched by stakeholders in the steel and coke value chains.