ArcelorMittal remains firmly committed to decarbonizing its operations in France and continues to work closely with the French Government, whose leadership has been instrumental in supporting the steel industry both nationally and across Europe.
The European steel sector is currently experiencing its most severe crisis since the 2009 financial downturn. This challenging environment has prompted ArcelorMittal to delay several of its decarbonization initiatives across Europe. However, the European Commission’s Steel and Metals Action Plan, announced in March 2025, offers renewed optimism that decisive measures—such as efficient trade defense instruments and the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)—will soon be enacted.
The updated steel safeguard measures that came into effect on April 1st, 2025, represent a positive first step. Nonetheless, the industry urgently requires stronger actions, including the limitation of steel imports to 15% of market demand and a robust CBAM that effectively prevents resource shuffling. These steps are essential to restoring a level playing field in the European steel market.
In light of these developments, ArcelorMittal is confident that, by the end of summer, the conditions will be in place to restart its decarbonization roadmap. Accordingly, the company confirms its intention to invest approximately €1.2 billion in the construction of a new electric arc furnace (EAF) at its Dunkirk site.
This major investment complements other recent commitments, including €254 million in Dunkirk, €53 million in Fos-sur-Mer, and €500 million for the electric steel production facility under construction in Mardyck, scheduled for completion by year-end. In total, ArcelorMittal is investing around €2 billion—demonstrating its clear intent to maintain a strong, sustainable, and competitive steelmaking presence in France.