A European Parliament political group has tabled 59 amendments to the Commission's proposed steel safeguard regulation, calling for a 50% out-of-quota tariff, an automatic ban on Russian and Belarusian steel, and the inclusion of downstream industries in the measure's scope. The amendments, submitted to the report by rapporteur Karin Karlsbro (Renew, Sweden) and published on 12 May 2026, aim to transform the regulation from a defensive trade tool into a more aggressive instrument for industrial protection and strategic autonomy.
The amendments originate from a single group, whose unified position criticises the Commission's original proposal as insufficient. The group advocates for a faster timeline, a broader definition of the steel ecosystem, and the integration of geopolitical and social considerations into trade policy. Key changes include raising the out-of-quota tariff from 25% to 50%, with the explicit goal of allowing an increase in Union production capacity rather than merely mitigating import surges. A new automatic prohibition on imports of steel melted and poured in Russia or Belarus would ban these products entirely from the Union market, excluding them from any tariff quota.
The amendments also explicitly include the downstream steel processing industry—such as automotive, construction, and machinery—within the regulation's scope, and task the Commission with assessing the need to add products 'made of or containing a significant amount of steel' to the product coverage. The review period is shortened from five to three years, with the first evaluation due by 31 December 2028 instead of 2031. Stronger traceability and anti-circumvention measures are proposed, including a reinforced 'melt and pour' requirement with mill certificates bearing heat numbers, and new provisions to prevent stockpiling and quota concentration by major operators.
quota allocation would consider a third country's trade-restrictive measures against the EU and its compliance with ILO Conventions and Multilateral Environmental Agreements. A specific provision ensures Ukraine's strategic role is reflected in quota design. The text also highlights the importance of steel-producing towns and regions, framing the transition as 'just'. A new recital explicitly states the regulation must comply with WTO obligations, while the Commission is required to engage in proactive communication with trade partners and publish an annual implementation report.
EU steel producers would benefit from higher tariffs and reduced competition, potentially enabling capacity increases, but downstream industries (automotive, construction, machinery) face higher input costs and potential supply constraints. Russian and Belarusian steel exporters would be entirely excluded from the EU market. EU consumers and businesses reliant on steel products may face higher prices and reduced choice. The Commission would gain new monitoring and enforcement duties, including annual reporting and geopolitical assessments, increasing administrative burden. The Council and Parliament will now negotiate the final text, with trilogues expected later in 2026.