Following the European Commission’s updated EU Emissions Trading System benchmarks for 2026–2030, European Aluminium warns that the proposed changes risk undermining aluminium recycling and the supply of critical raw materials in Europe. At a time when the EU is seeking to strengthen its circular economy, secure strategic raw materials and scale up clean industrial capacity, the association calls on the Commission and Member States to maintain the 2021–2025 benchmark levels for aluminium recycling and alumina refining installations until dedicated post-2030 benchmarks are developed.

The signatories call on the European Parliament and Council to ensure an effective and comprehensive extension of CBAM to relevant steel- and aluminium-intensive downstream industries. The current Commission proposal remains too limited and entails a significant risk of circumvention. Without a broader scope, CBAM risks shifting carbon leakage further downstream and creating distortions across value chains. Extending the mechanism through a simple and swift procedure is therefore essential to preserve a level playing field.

European Aluminium welcomes the publication of the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) proposal and the recognition of aluminium as a strategic sector. At a time when the industry is facing increasing pressure, further exacerbated by the unfolding crisis in the Middle East, urgent and targeted action is required. This paper sets out European Aluminium’s recommendations to ensure the IAA effectively delivers on its objectives while strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of the sector.