The EPMF’s response to EU Steel & Metals Action Plan

On 19 March, the European Commission published the Steel and Metals Action Plan aimed at bolstering Europe’s economic resilience, green transition, and strategic autonomy. While the European Precious Metals Federation welcomes this initiative, the current text risks overlooking a key element of Europe’s metals ecosystem: precious metals.
 
In response, we have published a position paper urging the EU to recognise the multi-metallic nature of the non-ferrous metals sector, as well as the importance of precious metals like gold, and silver to strategic autonomy and the green and digital transition. These metals are critical to clean energy technologies, digital infrastructure, and defence, and are often processed alongside base metals such as copper and nickel.
 
The paper outlines five key recommendations, including adopting a multi-metallic policy approach, ensuring access to affordable clean energy, and removing trade and recycling barriers to support a strong circular economy.
 
To succeed, the Steel and Metals Action Plan must reflect the realities of the entire metals ecosystem. Recognising the role of precious metals is not just a technical detail, it is essential to building a resilient, sustainable and competitive European economy.