Public consultation on the revised Climate, Energy and Environmental Aid Guidelines (CEEAG) (07/06/2021)
The two main drivers of the revision are an enlargement of the scope of the Guidelines to new areas and all technologies that can deliver the Green Deal and a flexibilisation of compatibility rules. See also the corresponding EC press release.
Sector Inquiry on Consumer Internet of Things (09/06/2021)
The objective of the consultation is to gather comments on the preliminary report of the ongoing competition Sector Inquiry into the consumer Internet of Things (IoT).
Open tender procedure for: Commission Assessment of Future Market Entry, Expansion and Imports in EU Merger Decisions (24/06/2021)
With a view to improving its enforcement practice in merger control, the European Commission intends to evaluate whether its ex-ante assessments of future market developments, such as entry, expansion or imports, as set out in the EC’s merger decisions were correct. The deadline to submit tenders to this open procedure is 15 September 2021.
Public consultation on the draft revised Regulation on vertical agreements and vertical guidelines (09/07/2021)
Through the consultation, the Commission aims to gather stakeholder feedback on the changes it proposes to address the issues identified in the evaluation of the current rules. See also EC press release.
Horizontal agreements between companies – revision of EU competition rules (13/07/2021)
This initiative will revise:
the rules exempting R&D and specialisation agreements from aspects of EU competition law
the guidelines accompanying these rules.
Revision of the Short-term export credit insurance Communication (22/07/2021)
The evaluation of the short-term export credit insurance Communication as part of the Fitness Check found that the current provisions are overall fit for purpose, and remain needed. The proposed revision envisages a small number of amendments, which would be mostly of technical character ...
Commission approves €800 million Italian scheme to compensate airports and ground-handling operators for the damage suffered due to the coronavirus outbreak (26/07/2021)
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €800 million Italian scheme to compensate airports and ground-handling operators for the damage suffered due to the coronavirus outbreak and the travel restrictions that Italy and other countries had to implement to limit the spread of the virus.
Commission approves €525.3 million German aid in favour of airline Condor in context of coronavirus outbreak (27/07/2021)
The European Commission has found an aid package by Germany in favour of the airline Condor to be in line with EU State aid rules. The approval of the aid package, based on three separate Commission's decisions, relates to two measures to compensate Condor for damages suffered as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, worth in total €204.1 million, and €321.2 million of restructuring support to enable Condor's return to viability.
Commission approves €30.5 billion French scheme to support production of electricity from renewable energy sources (27/07/2021)
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a French aid scheme to support renewable electricity production. The measure will help France achieve its renewable energy targets without unduly distorting competition and will contribute to the European objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Commission approves acquisition of Telekom Romania by Orange, subject to conditions (28/07/2021)
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Telekom Romania Communications by Orange SA. The approval is conditional on the divestiture of TKR's 30% minority shareholding in Telekom Romania Mobile Communications, which is a direct competitor of Orange.
Conference on the Future of Europe (29/07/2021)
The Conference on the Future of Europe is a unique and timely opportunity for European citizens to debate on Europe’s challenges and priorities. No matter where you are from or what you do, this is the place to think about what future you want for the European Union.
Your ideas will be collected, analysed, monitored and published on the platform, throughout the Conference. They will then feed into the discussions taking place in the European citizens’ Panels and the Plenaries. A feedback mechanism will ensure that the ideas expressed during the Conference events result in concrete recommendations for EU action.
DG COMP invites you to join the discussion!
Broadband networks – revision of State aid guidelines (29/07/2021)
A recent evaluation of the State aid rules for the broadband sector shows that while they work well overall, they require some targeted adjustments. This roadmap is open for feedback for 7 weeks. Feedback will be taken into account for further development and fine tuning of the initiative. The Commission will summarise the input received in a synopsis report explaining how the input will be taken on board and, if applicable, why certain suggestions can't be taken up.
Commission approves 2022-2027 regional aid map for Czechia (30/07/2021)
The European Commission has approved under EU State aid rules Czechia's map for granting regional aid from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2027. The Czech regional aid map is the first map approved by the Commission within the framework of the revised Regional aid Guidelines (“RAG”).
Consultation on a draft regulation amending the Agriculture and Fishery De minimis regulations (28/05/2021)
The present consultation is launched in the context of the need to adapt the de minimis regulations in the agricultural and fishery sectors to reflect the provisions of the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and its Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.
Commission approves €1 billion Spanish recapitalisation scheme to provide debt and capital support to companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak (19/07/2021)
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, Spanish plans to set up a €1 billion recapitalisation fund that will invest through debt and equity instruments in certain companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework.
Commission opens in-depth investigation into arbitration award in favour of Antin to be paid by Spain (19/07/2021)
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation in order to assess whether an arbitration award, to be paid by Spain in favour of Antin as compensation for the foregone support following the modification of a renewable electricity support measure, is in line with EU rules on State aid.
Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of GRAIL by Illumina (22/07/2021)
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of GRAIL by Illumina, under the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission is concerned that the proposed acquisition may reduce competition and innovation in the emerging market for the development and commercialisation of cancer detection tests based on sequencing technologies.
Commission opens in-depth investigation into financing of Post Danmark's universal service obligation (23/07/2021)
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether the compensation granted by Denmark to Post Danmark to fulfil its public service mission for the year 2020 is in line with EU State aid rules.
Commission simplifies rules for aid combined with EU support and introduces new possibilities to implement aid measures supporting the twin transition and the recovery from coronavirus pandemic (23/07/2021)
The European Commission adopted today an extension of the scope of the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), which will allow Member States to implement certain aid measures without prior Commission scrutiny. The revised rules concern: (i) aid granted by national authorities for projects funded via certain EU centrally managed programmes under the new Multiannual Financial Framework; and (ii) certain State aid measures that to support the green and digital transition and are, at the same time, relevant for the recovery from the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. See also the corresponding FAQs.
Revision of the Guidelines on State aid to promote risk finance investments (21/05/2021)
The evaluation of the Risk Finance Guidelines as part of the State aid Fitness Check found that the current provisions are overall fit for purpose, and remain needed. At the same time, the evaluation also showed the need to further simplify and clarify the rules. See also the corresponding Commission press release.
This adopted act is open for feedback for a minimum period of 8 weeks. All feedback received will be summarised by the European Commission and presented to the European Parliament and Council with the aim of feeding into the legislative debate. Feedback received will be published on this site and therefore must adhere to the feedback rules.
Commission publishes findings of evaluation of Market Definition Notice (12/07/2021)
The European Commission has published today a Staff Working Document that summarises the findings of the evaluation of the Market Definition Notice used in EU competition law.
Commission approves €2.5 billion Italian scheme to support self-employed and healthcare professionals in context of coronavirus outbreak (14/07/2021)
The European Commission has approved a €2.5 billion Italian scheme to support self-employed individuals and certain healthcare professionals in the context of the coronavirus outbreak, by partially exempting them from social security contributions. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework.
New infographic: Antitrust work in the current mandate (14/07/2021)
Graphical illustration of the enforcement work in the antitrust and cartels instrument since the mandate of the current European Commission started (Dec. 2019). It includes final decisions in antitrust and cartels cases, new investigations, Statements of Objections, as well as the preliminary results of an enquiry into the sector of Internet of Things (IoT) for consumer-related products and services.
Nike European Operations Netherlands and Converse Netherlands v Commission (14/07/2021)
The European Commission takes note of today’s judgment of the General Court, upholding the Commission’s decision of 10 January 2019 opening a formal investigation procedure into alleged State aid granted by the Netherlands to two Nike group companies based in the Netherlands: Nike European Operations Netherlands BV (‘NEON’) and Converse Netherlands BV (‘CN BV’). The Commission decision sets out in detail the Commission’s preliminary view that led to the opening of a formal investigation procedure with respect to possible State aid granted through several tax rulings by the Netherlands to Nike. The in-depth investigation gives the Netherlands and interested third parties, including the beneficiaries, an opportunity to submit comments. It does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation. The action against the Commission decision was brought forward by the beneficiaries of the alleged State aid, NEON and CN BV, which claimed a breach of the obligation to state reasons, manifest errors of assessment and non-compliance with procedural rights. In its judgment, the General Court dismisses the action brought against the Commission decision in its entirety and rejects all arguments put forward by the applicants. It finds that, with its opening decision, the Commission complied with the procedural rules and fulfilled its obligation to state reasons. It also did not make any manifest errors in its preliminary assessment of the selective nature of the tax rulings and complied with the principles of good administration and equal treatment. See also Curia's press release.
Ryanair and Laudamotion v Commission (14/07/2021)
The Commission takes note of today’s judgment of the General Court which upheld a 2020 Commission State aid decision approving aid to Austrian Airlines, to compensate the airline for the damage from the cancellation or re-scheduling of its flights following travel restrictions and other lockdown measures in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. In particular, the General Court agreed with the Commission that under Article 107(2)(b) TFEU:
the Commission may consider appropriate to allow compensation for net losses not only for the period of grounding of the beneficiary’s entire fleet, but also for the days immediately preceding that period when there were already cancellations and rescheduling of flights due to restrictions;
a Member State can compensate the damage only to one undertaking even when the whole sector suffers from damages directly caused by an exceptional occurrence.
Last, the General Court found that the aid measure approved by the Commission did not constitute a breach of the principle of non-discrimination on grounds of nationality nor did it involve an unjustified restriction on the freedom to provide services. See also Curia's press release.
Commission approves €1.2 billion rescue loan; opens investigation into €3.2 billion Portuguese further restructuring aid in favour of TAP (16/07/2021)
By two separate decisions adopted today, the European Commission has (i) re-approved €1.2 billion rescue aid to Transportes Aéreos Portugueses SGPS S.A. (“TAP Air Portugal”), and (ii) opened an investigation to assess whether the restructuring aid Portugal plans to grant to TAP is in line with EU rules on State aid granted to companies in difficulty.
Volvo and Others (15/07/2021)
The Commission takes note of the preliminary ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union on the interpretation of Article 7(2) of Brussels I Recast and in particular on the allocation of jurisdiction over cartel damages claims. See also Curia's press release.
Deutsche Lufthansa v Commission (15/07/2021)
The Commission takes note of the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union on the appeal of Lufthansa against the 2019 judgment of the General Court dismissing Lufthansa’s action for annulment of 2014 Commission State aid Decision concerning the financing of Frankfurt Hahn airport and the financial relations between the airport and Ryanair. In today’s judgment, the Court dismissed the appeal in its entirety as in part inadmissible and in part unfounded. The Commission will carefully study the judgment.
DG Competition would like to congratulate our colleagues for two award winning articles (01/07/2021)
DG Competition would like to congratulate our colleagues for two awards:
The ECN Unit team on the "Commission Communication on the protection of confidential information by national courts in proceedings for the private enforcement of competition law";
Commission approves €39.7 million of Italian aid measure to compensate Alitalia for further damages suffered due to coronavirus outbreak (02/07/2021)
The European Commission has found that an Italian aid measure of €39.7 million to support Alitalia is in line with EU State aid rules. This measure aims at compensating the airline for the damages suffered on certain routes due to the coronavirus outbreak during the period between 1 March and 30 April 2021.
Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed merger of Cargotec and Konecranes (02/07/2021)
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed merger of Cargotec Corporation and Konecranes Plc under the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission is concerned that the proposed acquisition may reduce competition in the supply of certain container and cargo handling equipment in Europe.
Commission opens in-depth investigation into €190 million Romanian support measures in favour of TAROM (05/07/2021)
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether Romanian support measures in favour of the airline TAROM would be in line with EU rules on State aid to companies in difficulty.
Global perspectives on EU Competition Policy (05/07/2021)
Speech by EVP Margrethe Vestager, Competition Summer School, College of Europe, 5 July 2021.
[...] "But competition policy is only one policy area, and of course, the EU is only one jurisdiction. This brings me back to communication, cooperation and openness. Because if we are to tackle these global challenges, we need a joined-up approach – across policy areas, across countries, and across the world." [...]
Commission publishes results of evaluation of EU State aid rules for deployment of broadband networks (07/07/2021)
The European Commission has published a Commission Staff Working Document summarising the results of an evaluation of the State aid rules for the deployment of broadband networks: (i) the Broadband Guidelines and (ii) the corresponding provisions of the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER). The evaluation concludes that, overall, the existing rules work well and are fit for purpose. However, some adjustments may be necessary to adapt the current rules to recent technological progress and to align them with the current EU policy objectives, in particular the EU 2025 Gigabit Society and 2030 Digital Compass.
Commission fines car manufacturers €875 million for restricting competition in emission cleaning for new diesel passenger cars (08/07/2021)
The European Commission has found that Daimler, BMW and Volkswagen group (Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche) breached EU antitrust rules by colluding on technical development in the area of nitrogen oxide cleaning. The Commission has imposed a fine of € 875 189 000. Daimler was not fined, as it revealed the existence of the cartel to the Commission. All parties acknowledged their involvement in the cartel and agreed to settle the case. See also Statement by Executive Vice-President Vestager.
Commission approves €750 million German State guarantee scheme for the Travel Insolvency Fund in the context of the coronavirus outbreak (09/07/2021)
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €750 million German scheme in the form of a State guarantee for loans that may be taken out by the Travel Insolvency Fund (‘the Fund'), to reimburse travellers in case of insolvency of package travel organisers.
Commission clears acquisition of Willis Towers Watson by Aon, subject to conditions (09/07/2021)
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Willis Towers Watson (‘WTW') by Aon. The approval is conditional on full compliance with a substantial set of commitments offered by Aon, including the divestment of central parts of WTW's business to the international brokerage company Arthur J. Gallagher (‘Gallagher'). The commitments will strengthen Gallagher in its capabilities in reinsurance and commercial risk brokerage and improve its footprint in the European Economic Area (‘EEA'). It will thus become a credible alternative to the combined entity post-transaction.
Commission invites interested parties to provide comments on draft revised Vertical Block Exemption Regulation and Vertical Guidelines (09/07/2021)
The European Commission has launched today a public consultation inviting all interested parties to comment on the draft revised Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (“VBER”) and Vertical Guidelines.
Irish Wind Farmers' Association and Others v Commission (07/07/2021)
The Commission takes note of the judgment of the General Court on the appeal of the Irish Wind Farmers’ Association (IWFA) against the Commission’s 2019 State aid decision, which rejected the complaint concerning the alleged reduction in business rates for the fossil fuel electricity generation sector in Ireland. In today’s judgment, the Court dismissed the appeal and upheld the Commission decision which found that there was no aid involved in the alleged reduction in business rates in the energy sector in Ireland.
Building the infrastructure for success in a digital age (09/07/2021)
Speech by EVP Margrethe Vestager, Three Seas Summit, Sofia, 9 July 2021.
[...]"This is why we’ve been encouraging European countries to coordinate the way they spend money from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, creating multi-country projects in areas like microchips, internet connections and quantum communication." [...]
Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Air Europa by IAG (29/06/2021)
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Air Europa by IAG, under the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission is concerned that the proposed transaction may reduce competition in the markets for passenger air transport services on Spanish domestic routes and on international routes to and from Spain.
The Commission authorises the regulatory mechanism for the storage of natural gas in France (28/06/2021)
The European Commission has concluded that the regulatory mechanism for the storage of natural gas implemented by France since 2017 complies with EU rules on State aid. The measure will contribute to the security and diversification of the energy supply in France without unduly distorting competition.
Commission approves Austrian network reserve for ensuring security of electricity supply (28/06/2021)
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, Austrian plans to establish a network reserve for the Austrian electricity market. The temporary measure will be in force until end 2025 and will contribute to safeguarding secure network operation and sufficient electricity supply in Austria, without unduly distorting competition in the Single Market.
Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Pesaro and Others v Commission (30/06/2021)
The Commission takes note of today’s judgment of the General Court in relation to the damage claim by shareholders and subordinated bondholders of Banca delle Marche, which was resolved in 2015 by decision of Banca d’Italia. The General Court rejected the claim for damages brought against the Commission by shareholders and subordinated bondholders of Banca delle Marche, as it held that the applicants have not established the existence of a causal link between the Commission’s action/decisions and the possible damage suffered. The General Court held that the decision to initiate the resolution of Banca delle Marche was an autonomous decision of the Italian authorities and was based on their finding of the bank’s failure, which was the decisive reason for that resolution. The Commission cannot be held responsible for having prevented its rescue. See also Curia's press release.
Commission carries out unannounced inspections in the manufacturing and distribution of garments sector (22/06/2021)
On 22 June 2021, the European Commission has carried out unannounced inspections in Germany at the premises of a company active in the sector of manufacturing and distribution of garments.
Commission opens investigation into possible anticompetitive conduct by Google in the online advertising technology sector (22/06/2021)
The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation to assess whether Google has violated EU competition rules by favouring its own online display advertising technology services in the so called “ad tech” supply chain, to the detriment of competing providers of advertising technology services, advertisers and online publishers. The formal investigation will notably examine whether Google is distorting competition by restricting access by third parties to user data for advertising purposes on websites and apps, while reserving such data for its own use.
Defending competition in a digital age (24/06/2021)
Speech by EVP Margrethe Vestager, Florence Competition Summer Conference, 24 June 2021.
[...] " we need effective rules and regulations to give us the confidence that the dark side of digitisation is under control – so we can find our way safely out of the dark wood, and make the most of its enormous potential to make our lives better."
Revision of certain procedural aspects of EU merger control (26/03/2021)
The initiative aims to improve the EU merger control procedures, without impairing effective enforcement. The goal is to make EU merger control more efficient and less burdensome in cases that are unlikely to raise competition concerns and to allow the Commission to devote more resources to those cases where a detailed investigation is required. To this aim, the initiative will explore options to further simplify the process in both simplified and, where possible, non-simplified merger cases.
Revision of the Short-term export-credit insurance Communication: Roadmap feedback (26/05/2021)
The short-term export-credit insurance Communication, set to expire on 31 December 2021, has been evaluated in the context of the recent State aid fitness check.
Commission clears public support for several ferry services in Italy; finds other measures to Siremar and SNS to be incompatible aid (17/06/2021)
The European Commission has concluded that the public service compensation granted since 2009 to Sicilia Regionale Marittima S.p.A. (‘Siremar') and Toscana Regionale Marittima S.p.A. (‘Toremar') for the operation of ferry services in Italy is in line with EU State aid rules. The same applies to the compensation granted to their acquirers, respectively Società Navigazione Siciliana (‘SNS') since 2016 and Moby S.p.A (‘Moby'), since 2012. However, the Commission found that certain other measures in favour of Siremar, currently in liquidation, and SNS are incompatible with EU State aid rules. Italy must now recover approximately €1.9 million of illegal aid, including interest.
Commission approves €166.7 million Greek public support for construction of LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis (17/06/2021)
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €166.7 million Greek support measure for the construction of a new liquid natural gas (“LNG”) terminal in Alexandroupolis, Greece. The project will contribute to the security and diversification of energy supplies in Greece and, more generally, in the region of South East Europe, without unduly distorting competition.
Commission approves a Polish scheme to compensate large companies for damages suffered due to coronavirus outbreak and provide liquidity support (17/06/2021)
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a Polish scheme to partially compensate large companies for the damages suffered due to the coronavirus outbreak and the restrictive measures implemented by the Polish government, while providing them with direct liquidity support through subsidised loans. The scheme is part of a wider Polish support programme, the so-called “Financial Shield for Large Enterprises”.
Competition policy: staying the course in times of change (18/06/2021)
Speech by EVP Margrethe Vestager Competition Day, Lisbon 15 June 2021
[...] "Of course you need to adapt. You need to bring in new ‘policy projects’ and change with the times. But the real trick is how you manage the day-to-day, staying true to your core principles and values, and implementing that in a consistent manner. I think the same is true for our work in competition policy."
A digital Single Market that serves businesses and people (11/06/2021)
Speech by EVP Margrethe Vestager Address to the German Family Business Foundation 11 June 2021
[...]"my main task in the Commission remains the same as before: defending and nurturing the Single Market, including by enforcement of our competition rules" [...]
Commission sends Statement of Objections to Insurance Ireland for restricting access to a data sharing platform (18/06/2021)
The Commission has informed Insurance Ireland, an association of Irish insurers, of its preliminary view that it breached EU antitrust rules by restricting competition in the Irish motor vehicle insurance market. The Commission takes issue with certain conditions of access to the Insurance Link platform, a data sharing system, which Insurance Ireland administers. The Commission considers that Insurance Ireland arbitrarily delayed or de facto denied access to the system to companies that had a legitimate interest in joining it, and that hurdles remain in place that might affect companies seeking to enter the Irish motor insurance market.
Commission approves €800 million Italian scheme to support companies in context of coronavirus outbreak, as well as development and production of coronavirus-relevant products (08/06/2021)
The European Commission has approved a €800 million Italian scheme to support companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak, active in Italy under “Development Contracts” for the implementation of priority projects. The scheme was approved under several sections of the State aid Temporary Framework.
Commission invites interested parties to provide comments on proposed draft Climate, Energy and Environmental State aid Guidelines (07/06/2021)
The European Commission has launched today a targeted public consultation inviting all interested parties to comment on the proposed revision of the Guidelines on State aid for environmental protection and energy (“Energy and Environmental State aid guidelines” or “EEAG”). To cater for the increased importance of climate protection, the revised guidelines will go under the name of Climate, Energy and Environmental State aid guidelines (“CEEAG”). The proposed Guidelines also include compatibility rules for flagship areas like clean mobility infrastructure and biodiversity, as well as resource efficiency to support the transition towards a circular economy. Interested parties can respond to the consultation for eight weeks, until 2 August 2021.
Commission publishes initial findings of consumer Internet of Things sector inquiry (09/06/2021)
The European Commission has published today the preliminary results of its competition sector inquiry into markets for consumer Internet of Things (IoT) related products and services in the European Union. The Preliminary Report confirms the rapid growth of these markets, but also identifies potential concerns put forward by the respondents to the sector inquiry. See also:
The Commission takes note of the judgment of the General Court which annulled the 2018 Commission State aid decision finding that the non-charging of VAT and the non-imposition of fines for not charging the deposit on certain drinks packaging sold by German border shops to Danish residents does not constitute State aid. The Commission will carefully study the judgment. See also Court's press release
Ryanair v Commission (Condor; Covid-19) (09/06/2021)
The Commission takes note of the General Court’s judgment today, annulling the Commission’s State aid decision approving damage compensation to German airline Condor. At the same time, the General Court decided to suspend the effects of the annulment of the contested decision pending the adoption of a new decision by the Commission. The Commission will carefully study the judgment and reflect on next steps. See also Court's press release
Commission confirms that Spain needs to recover incompatible aid from certain digital terrestrial operators (10/06/2021)
The Commission has concluded that the aid received by terrestrial operators for the digitisation and extension of the terrestrial television network in remote areas of Spain was against EU State aid rules. Following the annulment of a 2013 Commission decision, the additional investigation has confirmed that, between 2005 and 2008, the operators of terrestrial platforms received an incompatible selective advantage over their competitors using other technologies, in breach of the principle of technological neutrality. Spain now has to recover the incompatible aid.
Commission approves €10 billion German scheme to compensate companies for damages suffered due to coronavirus outbreak (28/05/2021)
The European Commission has found a €10 billion German scheme to compensate companies for damages related to the coronavirus outbreak to be in line with EU State aid rules.
Commission approves €800 million Greek scheme to support tourism sector in context of coronavirus outbreak (01/06/2021)
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €800 million Greek scheme to support companies active in tourism affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework.
Commission approves German support for cogenerated electricity (03/06/2021)
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the prolongation and modification of an existing German scheme to support the production of electricity from new, modernised and retrofitted highly efficient cogeneration (‘CHP') plants (except coal and lignite-fired CHP). The scheme (‘Kraft-Wärme-Kopplungsgesetz' – ‘KWKG 2020'), which is approved until 2026, will further promote energy efficiency, lead to a better integration of cogenerated power into the German electricity market and lower CO2 emissions, without unduly distorting competition.
Commission opens investigation into possible anticompetitive conduct of Facebook (04/06/2021)
The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation to assess whether Facebook violated EU competition rules by using advertising data gathered in particular from advertisers in order to compete with them in markets where Facebook is active such as classified ads. The formal investigation will also assess whether Facebook ties its online classified ads service “Facebook Marketplace” to its social network, in breach of EU competition rules.
Casa Regina Apostolorum della Pia Società delle Figlie di San Paolo v Commission (02/06/2021)
The Commission takes note of today’s judgment by the General Court, which upheld a Commission State aid decision from 2017. In particular, the Court confirmed the Commission’s conclusions included in the 2017 decision that the Italian health care system (SSN) was not economic in nature and that the public support to public hospitals operating under the SSN did thus not constitute State aid within the meaning of EU law.
Recylex and Others v Commission (03/06/2021)
The Commission takes note of today´s Court of Justice judgment concerning the appeal of Recylex SA against the judgment of the General Court of 23 May 2019 on the Commission decision in the Car battery recycling cartel. In today’s judgment, the Court of Justice entirely upheld the judgment of the General Court and dismissed the appeal.
Commission approves €2.1 billion German scheme to support roll-out of infrastructure for high speed mobile communication services in underserved areas in Germany (25/05/2021)
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €2.1 billion German aid scheme to support the deployment, operation, and granting of access to high performance mobile infrastructure in areas served only with 2G networks and below.
Review of the Communication on the Framework for State aid for research and development and innovation (08/04/2021)
The evaluation of the Communication on the Framework for State aid for research and development and innovation (R&D&I) in the context of the Fitness Check of State aid rules showed that the current provisions are effective and facilitate investment in the field of R&D&I at both European and national levels. However, some targeted adjustments remain necessary to reflect current regulatory, economic and technological developments. New current Commission strategic priorities need also to be taken into account, such as the Industrial and Digital Strategy and the European Green Deal.
See also EC press release.
Collective bargaining agreements for self-employed – scope of application EU competition rules (05/03/2021)
This initiative aims to define EU competition law’s scope of application, to enable an improvement of working conditions through collective bargaining agreements – not only for employees, but also, under some circumstances, for the solo self-employed.
Commission approves modification of existing German scheme to support rail freight operators and mitigate effects of coronavirus outbreak on the sector (21/05/2021)
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the modification of an existing German aid scheme to support rail freight operators in Germany by partially compensating track access charges. The amended scheme, which includes a budget increase and a further reduction of the track access charges due by rail freight operators, will contribute to reducing road congestion and CO2 emissions. At the same time, it will mitigate the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on the German rail freight sector.
Commission publishes findings of evaluation on the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (28/05/2021)
The European Commission has published today the Evaluation Report and Staff Working Document summarising the findings of its evaluation of the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation.
