Seven MEPs from The Left group, led by Valentina Palmisano, have asked the European Commission whether the potential divestment of Leonardo's aerostructures division at the Grottaglie plant complies with EU rules on informing and consulting workers. The parliamentary question, submitted on 15 April 2026, also seeks to know what tools the Commission will use to assess the impact on employment and safeguard strategic aerospace skills in the EU.
The Grottaglie plant, which produces components for the Boeing 787, faces an uncertain future after a wage support programme in 2024. Unions warn that a possible hiving-off of the aerostructures division and the entry of foreign investors, such as the Saudi Arabian PIF fund, could lead to job losses and a loss of civil aviation know-how. The MEPs argue that conversion to military aviation would not sustain the current workforce due to lower production rates.
the Commission must clarify whether the divestment arrangements comply with Directive 2002/14/EC on employee information and consultation, Article 27 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and relevant EU restructuring and foreign investment rules. The MEPs also request an assessment of the impact on employment and strategic skills, referencing Regulation (EU) 2019/452 on foreign direct investment screening.
The MEPs advocate for strong worker protection and the preservation of civil aviation capabilities in the EU, opposing a shift to military production that would reduce employment. They emphasise the need for an industrial plan and transparency.
The Commission must reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it sees a role for EU-level intervention or defers to national and company-level processes.