Steel mills can become profitable after restructuring and 10,000 job losses

Thirteen steelworks have sent their production restructuring plans to the European Commission (EC). If accepted, the companies will receive subs tantial financial aid from the European Union (EU). Another seven steelworks are to resubmit their plans, as the Economy Ministry had rejected them on the grounds they did not fulfill EU requirements. The plans foresee a reduction of total production capacity of all steelworks by a quarter, to reach 7.6 million tones by 2010. Out of the 40,000 employed in the industry, 10,000 will lose their jobs. According to the EU this will lead to a fall in operational costs, which would allow them to become profitable. This is the main condition the EU looks for when deciding whether to provide financial support. (Rzeczpospolita, April 20-21, p. B2) A.K.