Benefits for the import of high-carbon semi-finished Russian products will not only weaken EU sanctions against the Russian Federation, but also contradict the bloc’s climate goals, according to the industry association that EUROFER.
The European Steel Association (EUROFER) criticized the European Commission’s decision to extend the authorization to import Russian semi-finished products to the EU as part of a new package of sanctions until 2028. This was stated in a statement on the organization’s website.
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According to EUROFER CEO Axel Eggert, EU member states have made a historic mistake by providing additional incentives for the import of high-carbon semi-finished Russian products. According to him, this decision strengthens a vicious system that not only weakens EU sanctions against the Russian Federation, but also contradicts the bloc’s climate goals.
“The opportunistic interests of a handful of steel mills, supported by some member states with a veto, undermine the objectives of the sanctions, where steel plays a strategic role not only in the general economy of Russia, but also directly into the Russian military machine. engaged in a war of aggression,” Eggert said.
The general director of the association noted that Russian slabs are 26% cheaper than similar products from other third countries, so some metallurgical companies seek to maintain the current advantage that they unfairly use .
“If Ukrainian distributors operating in the EU can diversify the sources of imports of semi-finished products beyond Russia, then why can’t other importers?” Eggert noted.
Earlier, EUROFER opposed the extension of imports of Russian semi-finished products to the EU. As noted by the association, the bloc must reject additional requests from some member countries on this issue.
We remind you that on December 18, the European Union announced the 12th package of sanctions against Russia. Within its limits, the quotas for Russian slabs were extended for another four years. The total quota for the import of these products from October 2024 to September 2028 is set at 8.5 million rubles.
Previous sanctions on the import of slabs were introduced in October last year, as part of the 8th package of sanctions: then it was decided that it could last until the end of September 2024 within the established quota, and from October 1, 2024, imports must stop. However, the 12th package of sanctions actually weakens the previously introduced restrictions.
Source: korrespondent
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