Ilva Taranto operators appeal court ruling to avoid shutdown

The operators of the former Ilva steel plant in Taranto have appealed to the Court of Appeal in Milan to suspend the ordered shutdown of its hot area, warning of an "industrial, economic and social disaster" for Italy if operations cease by September 16. The companies argue that stopping the plants would cause irreversible damage of at least 2 billion euros, as steel from Taranto is essential for the appliance and automotive sectors, and would create full dependence on foreign supply chains, citing risks from geopolitical crises like the pandemic and recent conflicts. The government has called metalworkers' unions to a meeting on September 8, one day before the court hearing, where new measures such as expanded layoff benefits may be announced, while the court decides whether to halt operations or await a Supreme Court appeal.