In a letter to the European Commission dated Monday 16 April, the Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister with responsibility for the economy, Étienne Schneider, and the Mayor of Dudelange, Dan Biancalana, expressed their concern at the possibility of ArcelorMittal selling its industrial site at Dudelange, in the framework of discussions concerning the acquisition of Ilva by the Luxembourg company (see EUROPE 11901).
A press statement issued by the Luxembourg Ministry for the economy on 17 April takes a more argumentative tone, suggesting that the Commission is forcing ArcelorMittal to sell several factories in Europe, including Dudelange, and regretting the fact that the institution is blocking the preservation of a competitive industrial base in Europe, even though this is necessary for economic growth and job creation.
Preserving jobs and social dialogue are central to the concerns expressed by the Luxembourg public authorities.
Reacting to the letter, the Commission said that it was working closely with the companies in question to allow a definitive decision on the planned acquisition to be made on Wednesday 23 May. It adds that “in merger proceedings, it is the responsibility of the parties to address the competition concerns identified by the Commission”.
In cases of this kind, it is indeed the companies involved by the procedure that propose corrective measures, which the Commission may accept or reject. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)