The company’s primary objective is to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its operations by 2030 and become the world’s first producer to introduce commercial quantities of fossil-free steel to the market by 2026. In order to expedite its green transition, SSAB recognizes the importance of EU-level policies and regulatory frameworks.
Jesper Kansbod, the leader of SSAB’s Governmental Relations team, expressed his satisfaction with the new Brussels office, stating, “I am happy to be able to strengthen SSAB’s presence in Brussels with a new office and a two-person team.” The office officially opened its doors in early July and hosted an inauguration ceremony attended by approximately 70 individuals from various EU institutions, companies, and stakeholders.
The event’s speakers included Torbjörn Haak, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Sweden to the European Union; Antonios Sfakiotakis, Senior Specialist in environmental issues and climate policy at the Representation of Finland to the EU; Martin Pei, Executive Vice President and CTO of SSAB; and Vesa Terävä, Head of the EU Green Deal unit at the Secretariat-General of the European Commission. During the ceremony, discussions focused on topics such as the roadmap to achieving fossil-free steel, industrial policy, competitiveness, and the necessary conditions for driving industrial change.
SSAB aims to engage in transparent dialogues with stakeholders in Brussels, sharing insights and experiences from its own transition journey to foster a green and competitive European industry. Kansbod expressed the company’s desire to inspire others, stating, “We are a pioneer in reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the steel industry. We want to contribute to a transparent dialogue with stakeholders in Brussels on what is needed to secure a green and competitive European industry. We will continue to share our learnings and insights from our own transition journey and hopefully be an inspiration to others.”
The SSAB Brussels office is located at Sustainable Hub, Avenue des Arts 56, 1000 Brussels. The team comprises two full-time representatives: Kimmo Järvinen, Head of European Governmental Affairs, and Agnes Borg, Head of EU Affairs.
SSAB’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to achieve fossil-free steel production are aligned with the EU’s green agenda and underline the importance of collaboration between industry and policymakers in driving a sustainable future.
