Taraba: Preserving Competitiveness of Kosice Steel Mills a Priority

Bratislava, February 15 (TASR) - The modernisation of production, fulfilment of decarbonisation commitments and the preservation of competitiveness of the Kosice steel mills are priorities of the Environment Ministry, Environment Minister Tomas Taraba (SNS nominee) told U.S. Steel Kosice's Vice-president of External Affairs, Administration and Business Development Miroslav Kiralvarga at their meeting on Thursday. The minister perceives the announced acquisition by Japanese investor Nippon Steel Corporation as an enormous opportunity for eastern Slovakia and the development of the Kosice steel mills. "At the same time, it is evident that without the involvement of the state and cooperation between the partners on both sides, it won't be possible to steer the Kosice steel mills towards decarbonisation successfully," claimed Taraba, adding that the state has guaranteed aid worth €600 million to help with this aim. Taraba added that the state will provide the money to the Kosice steel mills, even if it would need to come from different sources than originally allocated. The U.S. Steel Kosice Vicepresident praised a transparent communication with representatives of the Slovak Government during the ongoing acquisition of the Kosice steel mills by the Japanese investor. "I appreciate the pro-active approach shown by the Environment Minister in the seeking of solutions that would help meet the decarbonisation commitments, preserve the competitiveness of our production and also secure the promised subsidy aid for the decarbonisation itself on the part of the state," said Kiralvarga. mf/mcs