The Southern Europe Meeting recently concluded in Milan. This major international event, organized by @EUROMETAL and @Assofermet, brought together the leading players in the European steel supply chain.
Representing ESN in this crucial context was the President of the Network, @Franco Felisa, who actively participated in the debate, bringing the voice and expertise of our associated companies to the table.
The title of the event, “Europe: Last Call,” perfectly reflects the sense of urgency felt at the Cosmo Hotel Palace: the very real risk of deindustrialization across the continent. The discussions highlighted how the ambitions of the Green Deal and the introduction of the CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) are fundamentally reshaping market dynamics.
The most critical issue discussed was a dangerous regulatory misalignment. Since carbon taxes will impact raw steel significantly earlier than finished goods, there are serious concerns that European manufacturing could lose its global competitiveness between 2026 and 2028. This gap risks accelerating the “industrial desertification” of the entire European sector.
A striking paradox has emerged: the current system unintentionally incentivizes the import of pre-assembled components—such as automotive parts, transformers, and household appliances. Because these downstream products are not yet subject to carbon emission duties, they are becoming more economically advantageous than those produced within the EU.
The participation of Franco Felisa reaffirmed ESN’s role as an active stakeholder in the European dialogue. As emphasized by the EUROMETAL presidency during the event, the keyword for the near future is cooperation.
“It is essential for national and international networks to present a united front,” was the clear message from the meeting. ESN will continue to monitor the evolution of EU regulations closely to ensure that the challenges of “green steel” and sustainability do not compromise the competitiveness of our manufacturing members.
We extend our gratitude to the organizers and all participants for such a high-level exchange. In what is truly a “last call” for Europe, collaboration and the sharing of expertise remain the only keys to navigating change and protecting the industry’s future.