Dutch prosecutors summoned Tata Steel's Ijmuiden plant on criminal charges including intentional release of harmful substances, insufficient maintenance, operating without permits, and failing to report raw coke incidents. The facility is Europe's second-largest steel mill and employs 12,000 people in the Netherlands.

The summons follows a criminal investigation by the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate into steel production and coke gas plant operations. Public health authorities found elevated risks from nitrogen dioxide and fine particles for local residents. The Netherlands has pressured Tata Steel to accelerate sustainability plans, threatening fines and forced closure if toxic emissions persist.

In September, Tata Steel signed a joint letter of intent with the Dutch government for environmental improvements costing up to €6.5 billion ($7.4 billion), with the state contributing up to €2 billion. Prosecutors are also investigating whether individual managers bear personal liability. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 20, 2026 at the Amsterdam District Court, where exact charges will be announced.