MEP Estelle Ceulemans (S&D) has asked the European Commission to assess the impact of ArcelorMittal's offshoring plans on the EU's industrial resilience, warning that the relocation of back-office functions to India could affect thousands of jobs and weaken strategic value chains. The written question, submitted on 15 April 2026, targets the steel giant's recent announcements of a major reorganisation in Europe, which Ceulemans argues come at a time when the sector is already struggling with falling demand, high production costs, and asymmetric international competition.
The question contains three concrete asks: an impact assessment of the offshoring on industrial resilience, an inquiry into possible EU instruments to regulate or limit offshoring in strategic sectors, and a request for measures to encourage high-value-added activities to remain in the EU. The MEP frames the issue as a risk of losing skills, weakening industrial value chains, and increasing dependency on third countries.
Policy orientation and ambition
Ceulemans' question signals a protectionist and interventionist stance, advocating for stronger EU tools to prevent the relocation of strategic industrial activities. The reference to "asymmetric international competition" suggests concern over unfair trade practices, while the call for specific instruments implies support for regulatory measures such as screening mechanisms or incentives for reshoring. The question does not propose numerical targets or deadlines but seeks a policy direction from the Commission.
Expected follow-up
The Commission is required to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will indicate whether it shares the MEP's concerns and whether it plans to propose new legislation or rely on existing tools like the Critical Raw Materials Act or the Net-Zero Industry Act. The response will be closely watched by stakeholders including ArcelorMittal, EU steelworkers, and national governments in steel-producing regions.