"European Union accused of negligence over pollution from Italy's largest steel mill: Critics charge EU inactivity"
Who's to Blame for Europe's Dangerous Taranto?
Sickening Truth Unveiled
Residents of the once-proud city of Taranto, Italy, are fighting back against years of toxic pollution from Ilva, Europe's largest steel plant. They're taking their complaints straight to the top, accusing the European Commission of misconduct for failing to enforce environmental laws.
A Long Neglected Nightmare
Today, June 7th, a group of local residents, Associazione PeaceLink, and MEP Valentina Palmisano, of The Left Group at the European Parliament, are filing a formal complaint to the European Ombudsman against Acciaierie d'Italia, better known as Ilva. The 12-year delay in addressing this environmental disaster has led to a spike in mortality rates and numerous documented cases of cancer and other diseases in Taranto.
Prolonged Inaction
Although the infringement procedure against Italy began in 2013 citing breaches of environmental laws, the Commission has taken no significant action since [1][2]. Successive Italian governments have continued to issue 'Save-Ilva' decrees, maintaining the plant's operation despite the obvious risks to public health.
Political Games
Palmisano accuses the Commission of politically motivated negligence. By avoiding referring Italy to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), the Commission is shielding itself from accountability while fueling the ongoing detrimental effects of Ilva's operations. This hesitation can be attributed, in part, to the sensitive nature of steel production within the EU [2].
Frustrated Residents
Massimo Castellana, a member of the Taranto Parents Association, shares the sentiment of many residents who are frustrated by the Commission's lack of action. He is convinced that the persistent political class caters to industrialists instead of its citizens, resulting in continual delays and minimal progress in remediating the environmental disaster [1].
Taranto's Long-standing Struggle
The struggle to clean up Ilva has been ongoing for decades. In the 1990s, Taranto was already recognized as an area of potential environmental crisis [1]. In 2001, alarming photos and evidence revealed air pollution containing carcinogenic substances equivalent to smoking thousands of cigarettes in an eight-hour workday [1]. Years later, in 2012, a local court ordered the seizure and shutdown of Ilva's most polluting facilities [1].
Remediation Efforts
Recent government initiatives promoting domestic steel production have raised concerns among campaigners, further complicating the clean-up process [1]. Opponents argue that the Italian government should prioritize remediation and transition to green hydrogen production over gas, which could potentially address the ecological destruction and health hazards caused by Ilva [1].
The Fight Continues
The people of Taranto remain steadfast in their quest for justice. A recent report links over 3,000 deaths directly to exposure to pollutants from the plant [1]. In 2020, the European Court of Justice ruled that operations should be suspended when posing serious environmental and health risks [1]. Activists are pushing for decisive action to protect future generations and bring an end to this painful chapter for the people of Taranto.
References
- The European Commission's infringement procedure against Italy: https://ec.europa.eu/ info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/ donne-cha-sons/33652
- The complaint submitted to the European Ombudsman: https://www.green-observer.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ilva-Complaint-Signed.pdf
- The prolonged delay in enforcing environmental laws by the European Commission, in relation to Ilva's operations in Taranto, has raised concerns in the field of environmental science, as it has resulted in medical-conditions such as cancer and other diseases.
- The steel industry, specifically Ilva, has been a significant player in Italy's business sector, but its continued operation amid environmental concerns may pose financial risks as lawsuits and legal actions pile up, affecting the country's reputation and economic stability.
- The environmental disaster in Taranto has highlighted the need for greater cooperation between the EU, the industry, and the academic world in the field of environmental-science, focusing on sustainable practices that can guarantee public health and protect the environment, ultimately ensuring a sustainable future for all.
