Former Ilva, a turning point: AIA granted, confirmed by Minister Urso

After months of anticipation and tension over the future of the former Ilva steelworks , the official announcement has arrived: the Integrated Environmental Authorization has been granted. The announcement came directly from the Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, who called the measure "a decisive turning point" for the revitalization of the Taranto plant.

The provisional AIA for the former Ilva plant: a crucial step toward decarbonization.

"I just received a message that the Integrated Environmental Authorization (AIA) for the former Ilva plant in Taranto was issued a few minutes ago. Taranto will continue; the plant is safe ." With these words, Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, announced the news at the CISL Congress.

During his speech at the 20th CISL Congress, Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, announced the issuance of the Integrated Environmental Authorization (AIA) for the former Ilva plant in Taranto, calling the measure a temporary and bridging measure pending municipal approval of the decarbonization plan. Urso explained that the government has granted municipalities time to consult with the City Council, but emphasized that it is not possible to impose the regasification vessel without local consent, nor to proceed with tenders without certainty of the actual implementation of the investments.

He also highlighted the imminent risk posed by the Milan Court's ruling , which, without an AIA, could order the plant's closure, causing serious social and employment repercussions not only in Taranto but also for businesses in Northern Italy. To prevent such a collapse, the government has assumed responsibility for securing, through the competent technical bodies, the necessary authorization to keep the plants open.

The Conference of Services expressed a favorable opinion on the AIA, which includes numerous environmental requirements to improve the plant's performance, in line with the objectives of decarbonization and public health protection. However, some local authorities —the Puglia Region, the Province, and the Municipalities of Taranto and Statte— expressed a dissenting opinion , criticizing the failure to sign the Program Agreement relating to the decarbonization plan.

"With the AIA review, we are strengthening environmental oversight of one of the most complex industrial sites in the country. The requirements set by the Commission ensure improved environmental performance, consistent with decarbonization objectives and the necessary protection of public health," stated Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto.