Amsterdam: The European Court of Justice ruled on Tuesday that the controversial steel plant in Taranto, Italy, formerly known as Ilva and now as Acciaierie d’Italia (ADI), should be shut down if it poses serious threats to the environment and human health. Despite being a major employer in economically struggling southern Italy, the plant has faced longstanding legal battles over its environmental impact and health risks.
Once Europe’s largest steel producer, the Taranto plant was placed under government administration in February following the departure of ArcelorMittal, as efforts to attract new private investors continue. The court’s ruling emphasized that operations should be suspended in the face of significant environmental and health risks, leaving the final decision to the Milan district court.
The Taranto Parents Association, leading the legal challenge against the plant, welcomed the ruling, describing it as exceeding their expectations. Maurizio Rizzo Striano, the association’s lawyer, expressed satisfaction in a Facebook video, stating, “It didn’t go well, it went more than well.”
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Critically, the EU court criticized Italy for repeatedly extending the plant’s operations based on projected emissions, insisting that actual emissions exceeding acceptable limits should trigger production halts. The court highlighted the importance of EU law in safeguarding both environmental integrity and public health, underscoring the need for effective measures to mitigate the plant’s health hazards.
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Efforts to address these issues have been ongoing since 2012, with implementation deadlines frequently postponed. The court’s decision reaffirms the EU’s commitment to balancing industrial interests with environmental and health protections.
