A decision that could mark a turning point for Taranto: the Civil Court of Milan, accepting the residents’ appeal, ordered the suspension of the former Ilva hot area starting from 24 August 2026, explicitly recalling the presence of “current risks of damage to health”.
The provision, however, is not immediately operational: it will only become enforceable if it is not challenged within the established deadlines. The judges underline that the dangers concern in particular the citizens of Taranto, Statte and the neighborhoods located close to the steelworks.
The decision comes from the Section specialized in business matters and was adopted in application of the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 25 June 2024, to which the issue had previously been referred in the context of the legal action brought by the citizens of Puglia. Even in this case, the decree is not immediately enforceable.
As the president of the Court and the president of the Section explain, the panel concluded the precautionary “inhibitory” proceedings initiated by the residents, partially disapplying the Integrated Environmental Authorization (AIA 2025) which allows the continuation of the production activities of the plant. At the same time, the suspension of the hot area was ordered starting from 24 August.
The contested provisions
The partial non-application of the AIA concerns specific provisions deemed lacking, including:
According to the judges, for these measures there were no certain and stringent deadlines set for the verification and implementation of environmentalization interventions, making an accelerated intervention necessary.
The decree was adopted “to protect the appellants and other residents” exposed to current health risks, in line with what has been established by the EU Court of Justice.
What happens now
The suspension of production activity will take effect from 24 August 2026. By that date, the companies involved – Acciaierie d’Italia Spa in extraordinary administration, Acciaierie d’Italia Holding Spa and Ilva Spa – will be able to intervene to obtain an integration of the AIA 2025.
If these requirements are not completed, the technical and administrative procedures to stop the hot area will have to start from August 24th. The suspension order will expire when the companies have complied with the indicated obligations.
The decree, as reiterated, is not yet enforceable and will only become definitive in the absence of an appeal. The provision was also sent to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
At the same time, Acciaierie d’Italia in extraordinary administration announced the start of the temporary shutdown of Altoforno 4, in line with the commissioner’s plan which aims to make the site more efficient and operational, in view of the conclusion of the ongoing tender procedures. The return to full functionality of the system is expected by April 30th. In recent days, Blast Furnace 2, which had been closed for over two years for restoration work, was reactivated.
Taranto thus remains suspended between promises of industrial relaunch and a legal battle that once again focuses on the right to health.
