State aid: Commission launches in-depth investigation into EUR 300 million loan granted to Alitalia by the Italian State
- Italy
- 06/23/2008
- Roschier, Attorneys Ltd. - Sweden
The Commission has launched an in-depth investigation to examine whether certain measures adopted by the Italian government in favor of the state-owned aviation company Alitalia are compatible with the EC Treaty’s state aid rules. The investigation was initiated following two decree-laws granting Alitalia a EUR 300 million loan and granting it the option to incorporate the loan into its equity capital. In its investigation, the Commission has taken into account that as Alitalia has already in 2001 and 2004 benefited from rescue and restructuring aid, the company may not be entitled to any further aid. The Commission will now consider whether the measures constitute state aid within the meaning of the EC Treaty and whether the aid is compatible with the common market. Interested parties are welcome to comment on the measures under investigation.
Source: Commission Press Release 11/6/2008
