6:00 4 December 2025
Italy seeks damages
Italy plans to pursue €5 billion in compensation from ArcelorMittal over the deteriorated condition of the former Ilva steelworks, Industry Minister Adolfo Urso said, according to Reuters. The plant—now operating as Acciaierie d’Italia (ADI)—was placed under special administration in early 2024 as the government searches for a new owner.
Urso said extensive maintenance is now required because the facilities were left in “complete neglect and degradation” under ArcelorMittal’s tenure. ADI has also struggled to maintain output amid high energy costs and weak steel demand, raising concerns in Rome about keeping the country’s key steelmaking operations alive.
Only two bidders have expressed interest in acquiring the company outright: one from Azerbaijan, the other from India.
Ilva was previously state-owned until 2012, when the government intervened following financial and legal troubles at then-owner Riva Group. ArcelorMittal took control in 2018. Its shares fell 1.35%.
