The European Union's failure to classify scrap as a Critical Raw Material (CRM) is puzzling, given the impending shift from a scrap surplus to a deficit as steelmakers transition to electric arc furnaces (EAFs) for decarbonization. Although scrap was initially excluded from the CRM list because the EU is currently a net exporter, the list is subject to periodic revision, leaving hope for scrap's eventual inclusion.

Przemyslaw Sztuczkowski, CEO of Polish steelmaker Cognor, warned that the EU's 60% blast furnace-based steelmaking will soon need to source scrap feedstock, potentially turning the current 30 million tonne scrap surplus into a deficit. He advocated for monitoring, licensing, and levying duties on scrap exports from the EU to address the looming "mad rush" for steel scrap.

Ryszard Pawlik, an advisor to European Parliament Member Jerzy Buzek, confirmed that EU officials initially fought to include scrap on the CRM list, but it was removed after consultations with Member States. However, he expressed optimism that scrap could be added during future revisions.

The panel also discussed the criticality of coking coal, with Weglokoks CEO Tomasz Slezak stating that it will likely remain a CRM due to Europe's need for a strong defense industry and the complexity of decarbonizing steel production.  Herbert Wirth from the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology highlighted the untapped potential of recovering cobalt and vanadium from Polish copper waste.

Jerzy Buzek emphasized the importance of securing critical raw materials, including through domestic production and recycling, to ensure a competitive, prosperous, and secure European economy, especially in light of Russia's aggression in Ukraine.