The European Union has approved Salzgitter AG's takeover of Huettenwerke Krupp Mannesmann, creating one of Germany's largest steel producers. The combined entity will have annual crude steel capacity exceeding ten million metric tons. Salzgitter plans to decarbonize the Duisburg facility through its hydrogen-based SALCOS program, targeting a ninety-five percent cut in carbon emissions by twenty thirty-three. Employment protections for three thousand workers have been secured through formal agreements the IG Metall union.