Government dragging its heels over promise aid to Huta Lucchini

Huta Lucchini Warszawa (HLW), which specializes in the production of steel mainly for the automotive sector, might not receive a state guarantee for a loan of EUR 75 million, which was envisaged by a government program for the restructuring of the steel industry. According to HLW president Michel Sablonniere, the State Treasury has not fulfilled its obligation. The loans were to be used to modernize the plant and for further investments. " Before approving the aid, Ministry representatives have to study the financial situation of the company. In our case this process is not yet finished," said Sablonniere. A pressing issue here is that according to an agreement between Poland and the EU, public aid for the steel industry has to be finalized before the end of this year. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B4) A.K.