On Monday, the European Commission issued a statement in which it confirmed its decision to authorise the acquisition of Ilva by ArcelorMittal, under certain conditions which include the ArcelorMittal site in Dudelange being sold off.
In response, Luxembourg's Ministry of Economy issued a statement reacting to the EC's decision. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy, Étienne Schneider, stated "I am surprised by the speed of the decision taken by the Juncker Commission, which had announced that it wanted to carry out a thorough investigation to know the exact scope of the acquisition file and the related impacts. I strongly regret the fact that the Dudelange site will have to leave the ArcelorMittal group to be sold to an unknown buyer. I regret that the green light from the Commission creates great uncertainty among employees as to the maintenance of their jobs and their working conditions. I have a meeting next Wednesday with Aditya Mittal to discuss the future of the Luxembourg site. In addition to my interventions with ArcelorMittal Group executives, I will also meet with potential buyers to ensure the seriousness of the industrial projects proposed for the benefit of the employees concerned and in the interest of a diversified national economy."
