Strengthening the EU Steel Sector through Digital Trust: Linking Safeguard Measures with the European Trade Indexes Registry (EUTIR)

The document outlines a strategic proposal to strengthen the European Union’s steel sector through digital transformation by integrating the European Trade Indexes Registry (EUTIR) into the EU’s regulatory and trade infrastructure. It emphasizes the need for digital trust, traceability, and interoperability in safeguarding the steel industry against global overcapacity and unfair trade practices. EUTIR is presented as a decentralized, blockchain-based (EBSI) registry that ensures authenticity, integrity, and machine-verifiability of trade-related data across supply chains. The document advocates for linking EUTIR with key systems such as electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI), Digital Product Passports (DPP), the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and EU Customs Single Window. It defines roles for economic operators, service providers, competent authorities, and certification bodies, and calls for legislative enhancements to support a unified, efficient, and secure digital trade ecosystem. The ultimate goal is to enhance regulatory efficiency, strategic autonomy, and sustainability while positioning the EU as a global leader in trusted, AI-ready digital trade.