Business · Energy & Commodities · 6 hrs ago
Italy backs keeping ex-Ilva steel production, with a shift to electric furnaces
Italy’s government says steel production should continue at ex-Ilva, the steel group centred on Taranto.
It plans to pursue decarbonisation using electric furnaces and is also considering a public stake in the business.
The government and unions agreed to look at widening income and job protections for workers at the plant and related companies.
A request for extraordinary wage support covers a potential maximum of 8,622 workers, not a confirmed number of people who will be laid off or suspended.
The plant’s future remains uncertain because binding sale offers are due by 8 November and Italy’s top court has yet to decide on the hot-production area.
The government says it cannot give a firm timetable for the transformation until these uncertainties are resolved.
More information on voluntary early exits is due by mid-December, while the government is also seeking possible investments and jobs in the Taranto area.
Italy’s government says it aims to maintain steel production in the country while decarbonising the former Ilva steelworks with a shift to electric furnaces.
The government also says it is considering public participation and has promised to assess who qualifies for income and job-protection measures.
A precise timetable for the transformation is not yet available because the sale process and a court decision concerning the hot area remain unresolved.
Binding offers to buy the business are due by 8 November 2026, while the Supreme Court is considering the case over the hot area.
The government is exploring investments and job opportunities in Taranto with Leonardo, Ferrovie dello Stato, Fincantieri and Rheinmetall.
- Who
- Italy’s government and unions met over the future of the former Ilva steelworks.
- What
- The government reaffirmed its aim to keep steel production in Italy and decarbonise the plant using electric furnaces.
- When
- The meeting took place on 27 October 2026.
- Where
- Palazzo Chigi, Rome.
- Why
- The meeting addressed the steelworks’ industrial future, employment and worker protections.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated the government’s commitment to steel production and decarbonisation in the Senate.
The government and unions met at Palazzo Chigi to discuss the former Ilva’s future and worker protections.
The deadline is set for submitting binding offers to buy the businesses.
The decree allows the plants to remain in a pre-heated state until this date.
The government is expected to provide further information on possible voluntary and early-exit measures.
- Steel production
- The government aims to maintain production in Italy
- Decarbonisation
- Electric furnaces are part of the proposed shift
- Binding offers deadline
- 8 November 2026
- Potential wage-support applicants
- 8,622 workers
- Plant locations
- Taranto, Genoa and Novi Ligure
- Industrial investment discussions
- Leonardo, Ferrovie dello Stato, Fincantieri and Rheinmetall
4 sources
Il Governo lavora al futuro dell'ex Ilva, confronto con le imprese
Ex Ilva, il governo vuol mantenere la produzione d’acciaio in Italia e “valuta partecipazione pubblica”. Fiom: “Passo avanti sugli ammortizzatori per tutti”
Ex Ilva, il governo garantisce la continuità: la produzione di acciaio andrà avanti con i forni elettrici
What people are saying
The government once again confirms its commitment to ensuring steel production in Italy and, in this context, to securing industrial prospects for Taranto, with electric furnaces and decarbonisation.
At this stage, it cannot meet the unions’ request to have and discuss a precise timetable for the decarbonisation process.
I am proud that this government excluded the Mittal partner three years before the recent judicial developments.
Workers’ struggle pays off; workers’ struggle today has obtained some initial responses.