Il government approved a decree-law which introduces urgent measures to ensure the continuity of production and employment of the ex Ilva plantsThe measure provides for the allocation of additional 250 million euro destined for Acciaierie d'Italia. The objective is keep the plants operational until the company transfer procedures are completed.
According to what reported in the press release released from Palazzo Chigi, the decree extends the ability to use the assets already earmarked for environmental restoration, raising it from 150 to 400 million euros. This measure responds to a context of economic and environmental emergency, aimed at ensuring the productive and employment future of the Taranto site.
Ex Ilva, the bidding game: new deadline on January 31st
Le binding offers to acquire the former Ilva were extended to January 31st, after the Initial deadline of January 10th did not lead to satisfactory solutions. extraordinary commissioners Giovanni Fiori, Davide Tabarelli and Giancarlo Quaranta have decided to extend the negotiation period to encourage a relaunch of the proposals.
Currently, themore substantial offer comes from the Azerbaijani group led by Baku Steel Company, with approximately 500 million euros, followed by that of Jindal Steel International. Both offers, however, fell short of expectations. Overall, they are Ten proposals received: three for the entire company, advanced by Baku Steel, Bedrock Industries and Jindal Steel, and seven for single assets, including the Marcegaglia, Eusider and Sideralba groups.
The Commissioners said they will assess the proposals with a particular focus on employment aspects, decarbonisation and the investments needed for sustainable development.
The position of the unions: the State as guarantor
The Government's decision to allocate additional funds has received positive reactions from the unions, which however continue to ask for an active role of the State in the future corporate structure of Acciaierie d'Italia. According to Loris Scarpa, steel coordinator of Fiom-Cgil, "the State must intervene directly in the new social structure of Acciaierie d'Italia". Scarpa reiterated that the allocated funds must include protections also for workers in related industries, essential for the restart of the plants.
The agreement of last July included a relaunch plan for the former Ilva with employment guarantees, salary continuity and extraordinary maintenance. For the unions, the presence of the State in the company's capital represents a crucial element for ensure the sustainability of the project. Scarpa also urged the Government to convene a table with trade unions to discuss binding offers.
The future of the former Ilva: a strategic hub for the country
The story of the former Ilva remains Central for Italian industry, given the importance of the steel sector for the national economy. The executive reiterated its will to ensure business continuity of the plants and to promote a transition towards a more environmentally sustainable production. The line of the Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, remains clear: the The State does not intend to return to directly manage the company, considered a “failure” in her previous public experience.
