MEP Thomas Pellerin-Carlin (S&D) has asked the European Commission whether it plans to propose a mechanism to restrict or tax copper waste and scrap exports to third countries, in order to ensure that European industries have adequate access to recycled copper for the energy and digital transitions. The question, submitted on 17 June 2026, highlights that copper is essential for electricity grids, renewable energy, electric vehicles and digital infrastructure, yet the EU continues to export large volumes of copper scrap. Pellerin-Carlin specifically cites the example of France's planned dismantling of nearly 1 million kilometres of old ADSL copper cables by 2030, arguing that the recycled material should benefit European industry first.
The MEP notes that the Commission activated a surveillance system on 23 July 2025 to monitor imports and exports of metal waste, including copper, to assess their impact on EU industrial supply. He now asks whether the Commission will follow up with binding legislative initiatives, such as export restrictions or taxes, and requests a timetable for any additional measures being considered. The question reflects growing concern among some MEPs about resource security and industrial autonomy, pitting the goal of retaining critical raw materials within the EU against the interests of waste exporters and third-country recyclers. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its answer will signal the direction of EU policy on copper scrap exports.