The metals and steel recycling industry is vital for the EU’s climate and environmental goals, as well as its strategic autonomy. A strong European metals recycling sector is not just vital for maintaining a competitive metal value chain, but also for ensuring that the EU meets its emission reduction and circularity targets. However, European recyclers are grappling with significant challenges. The ongoing economic crisis, driven by high energy prices and geopolitical tensions, has created a structurally weak domestic demand for recycled metals, compounded by decreased EU manufacturing capacity. This, in turn, limits investments in new recycling facilities.

Despite these hurdles, Europe’s impressive recycling rates for metals should be leveraged to boost the sector’s competitiveness.

In line with the findings of the Draghi report, EuRIC, the European Recycling Industries’ Confederation, has identified a set of strategic priorities that should be addressed in the upcoming Action Plan for Steel and Metals.