Versalis

17.12.2015

Question for written answer E-015931-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Brando Benifei (S&D)

Versalis, a company wholly owned and controlled by Italian energy multinational Eni, is an international player in the chemical industry and employs around 4 400 workers at more than 7 different sites across Italy.

It has recently been announced that Eni intends to sell a majority stake in Versalis to an investment group from outside the EU, and negotiations are ongoing with a US buyer. The sale will certainly impact the chemical sector of the Italian industrial system, and will also have a dramatic effect on employment.

On 3 December 2015, Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commissioner for Energy Union and Vice-President of the European Commission, met Eni executives in Rome to discuss energy security and Italy’s role.

1. Has the Commission also had discussions with Eni regarding the Versalis situation and its plan to sell most of its shares in the chemical company?

2. Does the Commission believe that there is no risk to those projects for the creation of integrated green chemistry complexes which operate using renewable energy sources, part of the Europe 2020 strategy?

3. What measures does the Commission intend to take to guarantee compliance in this regard with Directive 2002/14/EC, which establishes a general framework for informing and consulting employees?