Source: European Parliament
According to available information, the EUR 400 million in question are distinct from the so-called bridge loan and are part of the EUR 1.1 billion seized from the former owners of ILVA to remedy the environmental impact of the plant.
In Decision (EU) 2018/1498[1], the Commission concluded that the latter amount[2] was not state aid[3]. The destination of these funds was not an element retained by the Commission in its assessment (as non-aid) and, therefore, without prejudice to the application of Italian law, a change in such destination does not constitute a breach of the decision.
A new permit in line with the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED)[4] is due to be issued to the Acciaierie d’Italia plant by June 2025. The Commission receives updates on the progress made to bring the plant into compliance with the IED and is in contact with the Italian authorities to address the issues raised in the infringement procedure[5].
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)[6] can only support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or investments related to the production, processing, transport, distribution, storage, or combustion of fossil fuels, with some exceptions[7]. Regulation (EU) 2021/1056[8] excludes support to those activities under the Just Transition Fund (JTF)[9].
Further exceptions for the support of such investments are introduced in the proposal for a regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 and (EU) 2021/1056[10].
In addition, while support to enterprises others than SMEs is allowed by Regulation (EU) 2021/1056, it is not under the Italian JTF National Programme[11].
Thus, investments involving large enterprises and related to blue hydrogen cannot be financed under the above-mentioned programmes, unless exceptions apply.
- [1] Commission Decision (EU) 2018/1498 of 21 December 2017 on the state aid and the measures SA.38613 (2016/C) (ex 2015/NN) implemented by Italy for Ilva SpA in Amministrazione Straordinaria (notified under document C(2017) 8391), OJ L 253, 9.10.2018, p. 45-75.
- [2] ‘Measure 1: the transfer of the assets seized during criminal proceedings against Ilva’s previous owners’.
- [3] Section 2.2.1, Section 5.2.1 and Article 1(a) of Decision (EU) 2018/1498.
- [4] Directive (EU) 2024/1785 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 April 2024 amending Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) and Council Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste, OJ L, 2024/1785, 15.7.2024.
- [5] INFR(2013)2177: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_13_866
- [6] Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund, OJ L 231, 30.6.2021.
- [7] Article 7(1)(h) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1058.
- [8] Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the Just Transition Fund, OJ L 231, 30.6.2021.
- [9] Article 9(d) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1056.
- [10] Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 and (EU) 2021/1056 as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges in the context of the mid-term review .
- [11] https://www.jtf.gov.it/the-program/