European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)

European Commission

European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)

The European Commission, together with the national competition authorities, directly enforces EU competition rules, Articles 101-109 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU), to make EU markets work better, by ensuring that all companies compete equally and fairly on their merits. Within the Commission, the Directorate-General (DG) for Competition is primarily responsible for these direct enforcement powers.

Linked authors

European Commission - DG CNECT (Brussels)
European Commission
European Commission - DG HR (Brussels)
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
DG EMPL (Brussels)

Articles

2806629 Bulletin

European Commission The EU Commission approves €6.5B German scheme to address the risk of carbon leakage from higher fuel prices resulting from the German fuel emission trading system

91

State aid: Commission approves €6.5 billion German scheme to address carbon leakage risk for energy-intensive companies resulting from national fuel emission trading system* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €6.5 billion German scheme to partially compensate (...)

European Commission The EU Commission issues a Statement of Objections to a French fashion company and its licensee over distribution and licensing practices for clothing (Pierre Cardin / Ahlers)

246

Antitrust: Commission sends Statement of Objections to Pierre Cardin and its licensee Ahlers over distribution and licensing practices for clothing* The European Commission has informed Pierre Cardin and its licensee Ahlers of its preliminary view that the companies may have breached EU (...)

European Commission The EU Commission initiates a formal investigation to determine whether the acquisition of a major media group with significant publishing operations by a rival violates the notification requirement and “standstill obligation” set out in the EU Merger Regulation (Lagardère / Vivendi)

125

Mergers: Commission opens formal investigation for possible breach of notification requirement, standstill obligation and clearance conditions and obligations in Vivendi/Lagardère transaction* The European Commission has decided to open a formal investigation to determine whether, when (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a German €550M direct grant and conditional payment mechanism of up to €1.45B to support a steel manufacturer in decarbonising its steel production and accelerating renewable hydrogen uptake (ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe)

59

State aid: Commission approves German €550 million direct grant and conditional payment mechanism of up to €1.45 billion to support ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe in decarbonising its steel production and accelerating renewable hydrogen uptake* The European Commission has approved, under EU State (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €89.5M Italian measure under the Recovery and Resilience Facility to support a photovoltaic panel factory’s solar panel plant expansion (3Sun)

60

State aid: Commission approves €89.5 million Italian measure under Recovery and Resilience Facility to support 3Sun’s solar panel plant expansion* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €89.5 million Italian measure made available through the Recovery and (...)

European Commission The EU Commission clears the acquisition of a visualisation software provider by a hardware company subject to conditions regarding interoperability and source code access (VMware / Broadcom)

85

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of VMware by Broadcom, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of VMware by Broadcom. The approval is conditional upon full compliance with the commitments offered by (...)

European Commission The EU Commission fines two biotech companies the maximum permitted fine of 10% of their global turnover, €432M, for breaching the standstill obligation (Illumina / Grail)

153

Mergers: Commission fines Illumina and GRAIL for implementing their acquisition without prior merger control approval* The European Commission has fined Illumina and GRAIL approximately €432 million and €1,000 respectively, for implementing their proposed merger before approval by the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation into a Danish and Swedish scheme worth €1B to recapitalise a Scandinavian airline in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic (SAS)

76

State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into €1 billion Danish and Swedish support measure to recapitalise SAS in context of coronavirus pandemic* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether a Danish and Swedish recapitalisation measure of (...)

European Commission The EU Commission sends an online hotel booking platform a Statement of Objections over its proposed acquisition of an online flight booking platform (Booking / eTraveli)

123

Mergers: Commission sends Booking Statement of Objections over proposed acquisition of eTraveli* The European Commission has informed Booking Holdings (‘Booking’) of its preliminary view that its proposed acquisition of Flugo Group Holdings AB (‘eTraveli’) may allow Booking to strengthen its (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves up to €8.1B of public support by fourteen Member States for an Important Project of Common European Interest in microelectronics and communication technologies

102

State aid: Commission approves up to €8.1 billion of public support by fourteen Member States for an Important Project of Common European Interest in microelectronics and communication technologies* The Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, an Important Project of Common (...)

European Commission The EU Commission clears the acquisition of a provider of ‘two-way’ satellite-based communication services by a rival following an in-depth investigation (Viasat / Inmarsat)

115

Mergers: Commission clears Viasat’s acquisition of Inmarsat* The European Commission has approved unconditionally, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Inmarsat by Viasat. The Commission concluded that the merger would not raise competition concerns in the European (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €837M Spanish scheme to support the production of batteries for electric and connected vehicles to foster the transition to a net-zero economy

83

State aid: Commission approves €837 million Spanish scheme to support the production of batteries for electric and connected vehicles to foster the transition to a net-zero economy* The European Commission has approved a €837 million Spanish scheme to support the production of batteries for (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €7.4B French measure to support the construction and operation of a microchips manufacturing facility (STMicroelectronics / GlobalFoundries)

91

State aid: Commission approves French measure to support STMicroelectronics and GlobalFoundries to set up new microchips plant* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a French aid measure to support STMicroelectronics (‘ST’) and GlobalFoundries (‘GF’) in the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves the prolonged and amended Spanish and Portuguese measure to lower electricity prices in the Iberian market amid the ongoing energy crisis

84

State aid: Commission approves prolonged and amended Spanish and Portuguese measure to lower electricity prices amid energy crisis* The European Commission has approved, under State aid rules, the prolongation and amendments of a Spanish and Portuguese measure aimed at reducing the wholesale (...)

European Commission The EU Commission confirms unannounced inspections of some businesses in the fashion sector over concerns that the companies concerned may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices

116

Antitrust: Commission confirms unannounced inspections in the fashion sector* On 18 April 2023, the European Commission has started unannounced inspections at the premises of companies active in the fashion industry in several Member States. In parallel, the Commission has sent out formal (...)

European Commission The EU Commission sends a statement of objections to a hardware manufacturer regarding its proposed acquisition of a software provider over fears that permitting the deal would restrict competition (VMware / Broadcom)

75

Mergers: Commission sends Broadcom Statement of Objections over proposed acquisition of VMware* The European Commission has informed Broadcom of its preliminary view that its proposed acquisition of VMware may restrict competition in the market for certain hardware components which (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €158M Polish measure to support a petroleum company’s special purpose vehicle in the production of renewable hydrogen to support green transition (PKN Orlen / Lotos)

178

State aid: Commission approves €158 million Polish measure to support LOTOS Green H2 in the production of renewable hydrogen* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €158 million Polish measure to support LOTOS Green H2 sp. z o.o, a special purpose vehicle (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation into the proposed joint venture between two telecoms in the Spanish market for the retail supply of mobile and fixed broadband services (Orange / MasMovil)

99

Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into the proposed transaction between Orange and MasMovil* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed creation of a joint venture by Orange and MasMovil. The Commission (...)

European Commission The EU Commission greenlights the acquisition of two Belgian telecoms by their leading French rival following commitments to grant access to the network to a rival for a period of ten years (VOO / Brutélé / Orange)

116

Mergers: Commission clears the acquisition of VOO and Brutélé by Orange, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of VOO and Brutélé by Orange. The approval is conditional on full compliance with a commitments (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a Slovenian scheme worth €650M to support companies facing increased energy costs in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine

88

State aid: Commission approves €650 million Slovenian scheme to support companies facing increased energy costs in context of Russia’s war against Ukraine* The European Commission has approved a €650 million Slovenian scheme to support companies facing increased energy costs in the context (...)

European Commission The EU Commission confirms it undertook dawn raids in the fragrance sector with assistance from the UK Competition Authority, US DoJ and the Swiss Competition Authority

217

Antitrust: Commission confirms unannounced inspections in the fragrance sector* On 7 March 2023, the European Commission carried out unannounced inspections at the premises of companies and an association active in the fragrance industry in various Member States. In parallel, the Commission (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves an amendment to an Italian guarantee scheme, including up to a €3B budget increase, in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine

53

State aid: Commission approves amendment to Italian guarantee scheme, including up to €3 billion budget increase, in context of Russia’s war against Ukraine* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, an amendment to an existing Italian guarantee scheme, including an up (...)

European Commission The EU Commission extends an in-depth investigation into Germany’s plans to compensate lignite-fired power plants for early closure as part of the ’European Green Deal’ program (RWE / LEAG)

88

State aid: Commission extends in-depth investigation into Germany’s plans for early closure of lignite-fired power plants* The European Commission has extended the scope of its ongoing in-depth inquiry into Germany’s plans to compensate lignite-fired power plants operators for the early (...)

European Commission The EU Commission sends a Statement of Objections to a Big Tech smartphone manufacturer clarifying its concerns over the firm’s App Store rules for music streaming providers, particularly on anti-steering obligations (Apple)

190

Antitrust: Commission sends Statement of Objections to Apple clarifying concerns over App Store rules for music streaming providers* The European Commission has sent a Statement of Objections to Apple clarifying its concerns over App Store rules for music streaming providers. This (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition of a provider of satellite-based communication services by a rival (Viasat / Inmarsat)

72

Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition of Inmarsat by Viasat* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Inmarsat by Viasat. The Commission is concerned that the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission okays unconditionally the creation of a joint venture by major telecommunication providers to support digital marketing and advertising activities in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK (Deutsche Telekom / Orange / Telefónica / Vodafone)

138

Mergers: Commission clears creation of a joint venture by Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone* The European Commission has approved unconditionally, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Deutsche Telekom AG Orange SA, Telefónica S.A. and Vodafone (...)

European Commission The EU Commission conditionally approves the acquisition of a company in the market for the development and supply of chemical admixtures and construction materials (Sika / MBCC)

83

Mergers: Commission clears the acquisition of MBCC by Sika, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of MBCC by Sika. The approval is conditional on the divestiture of MBCC’s global chemical admixture business. (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €21M Polish scheme to compensate the tourism sector for damages suffered due to restrictive measures at the Polish-Belarusian border

53

State aid: Commission approves €21 million Polish scheme to compensate tourism sector for damages suffered due to restrictive measures at the Polish-Belarusian border* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €21 million (PLN 100 million) Polish scheme to compensate (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €119.3M in French restructuring aid for an airline and €17.5M in compensation for damage suffered as a result of the coronavirus pandemic (Air Austral)

96

State aid: Commission approves EUR 119.3 million French restructuring aid for Air Austral and EUR 17.5 million compensation for damage suffered as a result of the coronavirus pandemic* The European Commission, pursuant to the EU rules on State aid, has authorised France’s plan to pay (i) (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €3 billion Polish scheme to support companies active in the Polish gas market in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine

115

State aid: Commission approves €3 billion Polish scheme to support companies active in the Polish gas market in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine* The European Commission has approved a €3 billion Polish scheme to support companies active in the Polish gas market in the context of (...)

European Commission The EU General Court dismisses as inadmissible the action brought by a retail undertaking against the Commission’s decision approving aid granted by Germany to compensate for losses suffered as a result of lockdown during the COVID-19 crisis (Breuninger)

78

The General Court dismisses as inadmissible the action brought by the retail undertaking Breuninger against the Commission’s decision approving aid granted by Germany to compensate for losses suffered as a result of lockdown during the COVID-19 crisis* Breuninger erred in taking the view (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation into the acquisition of a software provider by a hardware manufacturer over fears that permitting the merger would lead to reduced interoperability and the foreclosure of rivals (VMware / Broadcom)

116

Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition of VMware by Broadcom* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of VMware by Broadcom. The Commission is particularly (...)

European Commission The EU Commission accepts the commitments of a Big Tech online marketplace to address concerns over discriminatory practices and its use of non-public data to unfairly bolster its own retail business (Amazon)

198

Antitrust: Commission accepts commitments by Amazon barring it from using marketplace seller data, and ensuring equal access to Buy Box and Prime* The European Commission has made commitments offered by Amazon legally binding under EU antitrust rules. Amazon’s commitments address the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €1.1 billion Polish scheme to support particularly affected energy intensive companies in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine

75

State aid: Commission approves €1.1 billion Polish scheme to support particularly affected energy intensive companies in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine* The European Commission has approved a €1.1 billion (PLN 5.1 billion) Polish scheme to support particularly affected energy (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves amendments to Italian scheme, including up to €23 billion budget increase, to support companies in context of Russia’s war against Ukraine

62

State aid: Commission approves amendments to Italian scheme, including up to €23 billion budget increase, to support companies in context of Russia’s war against Ukraine* The European Commission has found the amendments to an existing Italian guarantee scheme, including an up to €23 billion (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves up to €34.5 billion German measure to recapitalise an energy company in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine (Uniper)

93

State aid: Commission approves up to €34.5 billion German measure to recapitalise energy company Uniper SE in context of Russia’s war against Ukraine* The European Commission has approved an up to €34.5 billion German aid measure to recapitalise energy company Uniper SE (‘Uniper’). The (...)

European Commission The EU Commission sends a Statement of Objections to a social network firm over alleged unfair trading practices and abusive tying of the firm’s online marketplace (Meta / Facebook Marketplace)

174

Antitrust: Commission sends Statement of Objections to Meta over abusive practices benefiting Facebook Marketplace* The European Commission has informed Meta of its preliminary view that the company breached EU antitrust rules by distorting competition in the markets for online classified (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €80 million Finnish recapitalisation measure to support a national shipyard in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine (Meyer Turku)

77

State aid: Commission approves €80 million Finnish recapitalisation measure to support Meyer Turku Oy in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine* The European Commission has approved a €80 million Finnish recapitalisation measure to support Meyer Turku Oy, the largest national shipyard (...)

European Commission The EU Commission adopts a Statement of Objections outlining measures to unwind a blocked acquisition of a nascent biotech company by a big biotech firm (Illumina / Grail)

144

Mergers: The Commission adopts a Statement of Objections outlining measures to unwind Illumina’s blocked acquisition of GRAIL* The European Commission has sent a Statement of Objections to Illumina and GRAIL informing them of the restorative measures it intends to adopt under the EU Merger (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation into a Lithuanian measure to compensate a gas producer for the operation of liquefied natural gas terminal (Litgas)

124

State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into Lithuanian measure to compensate Litgas for operation of LNG terminal* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether the compensation granted by Lithuania to Litgas UAB (‘Litgas’) for supplying a (...)

European Commission The EU Commission publishes the results of an evaluation of the State aid rules for services of general economic interest applicable to health and social services and small aid amounts

91

State aid: Commission publishes results of evaluation of State aid rules on services of general economic interest applicable to health and social services and to small aid amounts* The European Commission has published a Staff Working Document summarising the results of the evaluation of the (...)

European Commission The EU General Court dismisses an Austrian action contesting a Hungarian investment aid approved by the Commission to build new nuclear reactors (MVM Paks II Nuclear Power Plant Development)

146

Construction of new nuclear reactors: the General Court dismisses the action brought by Austria to contest Hungarian investment aid approved by the Commission* By decision of 6 March 2017 (‘the contested decision’), the European Commission approved investment aid, notified by Hungary, for (...)

European Commission The EU Commission publishes a statement by Executive Vice-President Vestager on the decision by two wood panel suppliers to abandon their merger (Kronospan / Pfleiderer)

102

Mergers: Statement by Executive Vice-President Vestager on the decision by Kronospan and Pfleiderer to abandon their deal* The European Commission takes note of Kronospan’s and Pfleiderer’s decision to terminate their agreement according to which Kronospan intended to acquire sole control (...)

European Commission The EU Commission fines 5 styrene purchasers €157M for price fixing and exchanging sensitive commercial information (Sunpor / Synbra / Synthomer / Synthos / Trinseo / INEOS)

300

Antitrust: Commission fines styrene purchasers €157 million in cartel settlement* The European Commission has fined Sunpor, Synbra, Synthomer, Synthos and Trinseo a total of €157 million for participating in a cartel concerning purchases on the styrene monomer merchant market. INEOS was not (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a German Scheme worth €557M to compensate a rail services operator for damages suffered by its subsidiary due to the coronavirus pandemic (Deutsche Bahn)

124

State aid: Commission approves €557 million German support to compensate Deutsche Bahn for damages suffered by its subsidiary DB Fernverkehr due to the coronavirus pandemic* The European Commission has found a €557 million German support measure in favour of Deutsche Bahn to be in line with (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves amendments to German State aid schemes, including a €45B budget increase, to support companies in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine

74

State aid: Commission approves amendments to German schemes, including up to €45 billion budget increase, to support companies in context of Russia’s war against Ukraine * The European Commission has approved the amendments to existing German umbrella schemes, including their prolongation (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition of a leading video game company by a Big Tech company due to foreclosure concerns (Microsoft / Activision Blizzard)

147

Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft under the EU Merger Regulation. The (...)

European Commission The EU Commission Executive Vice-President Vestager issues statement following the Court of Justice’s judgment on the tax State aid case in Luxembourg (Fiat)

83

Statement by Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager following today’s Court judgment on the Fiat tax State aid case in Luxembourg* Today’s judgment by the Court of Justice annuls the Commission’s 2015 decision finding that Luxembourg granted selective tax advantages to Fiat through a (...)

European Commission The EU Commission further consults Member States on the prolongation and adjustment of the Temporary Crisis Framework to support the economy in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine

66

State aid: Commission further consults Member States on prolongation and adjustment of Temporary Crisis Framework* The European Commission is further consulting Member States on a prolongation and adjustment of the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework to support the economy in the context of (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a major international tobacco and nicotine producer’s acquisition of a Swedish rival, subject to a divestment (Philip Morris / Swedish Match)

73

Mergers: Commission approves Philip Morris International’s acquisition of Swedish Match, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Swedish Match by Philip Morris International. The approval is conditional on full (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves the acquisition of a recycled aluminium producer by an investment fund subject to the divestment of two facilities (KPS Special Situations Fund V / Evergreen Holding Germany / Real Alloy UK Holdco)

156

Mergers: Commission approves KPS acquisition of Real Alloy Europe, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Evergreen Holding Germany GmbH and Real Alloy UK Holdco Ltd (‘Real Alloy Europe’) by KPS Special (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a Spanish scheme worth €500M under the Recovery and Resilience Facility to support roll out of broadband backhaul networks in rural areas

57

State aid: Commission approves €500 million Spanish scheme under the Recovery and Resilience Facility to support roll out of broadband backhaul networks in rural areas* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €500 million Spanish scheme made available through the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves the acquisition of the materials arm of the world’s largest chemical company by a rival materials company, subject to divestments (Celanese / DuPont)

76

Mergers: Commission approves Celanese’s acquisition of DuPont’s Mobility and Materials Business, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of DuPont’s Mobility and Materials Business by Celanese. The approval is (...)

European Commission The EU Commission sends a Statement of Objections to the developer of a multiple sclerosis medication over misuse of the patent system and disparagement of a rival (Teva)

167

Antitrust: Commission sends Statement of Objections to Teva over misuse of the patent system and disparagement of rival multiple sclerosis medicine* The European Commission has informed Teva of its preliminary view that the company has breached EU antitrust rules by engaging in practices (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves Slovakian scheme worth €1.1B partially funded under Recovery and Resilience Facility to help industry decarbonise production processes and become less energy-intensive

53

State aid: Commission approves €1.1 billion Slovakian aid schemes partially funded under Recovery and Resilience Facility to help industry decarbonise production processes and become less energy-intensive* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, two Slovak schemes (...)

European Commission The EU Commission consults Member States on a proposal to prolong and amend the Temporary Crisis Framework in place to combat the economic effects of the Russo-Ukrainian war

87

State aid: Commission consults Member States on proposal to prolong and amend Temporary Crisis Framework* The European Commission has sent to Member States for consultation a draft proposal to prolong and adjust the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on 23 March (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves an Italian State aid measure worth €292.5M under the Recovery and Resilience Facility to support a semiconductor manufacturer in the construction of a new plant (STMicroelectronics)

92

State aid: Commission approves €292.5 million Italian measure under Recovery and Resilience Facility to support STMicroelectronics in construction of a plant in the semiconductor value chain* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €292.5 million Italian measure (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves an Italian State aid guarantee scheme worth €2B for the reinsurance of natural gas and electricity trade credit risk in context of Russia’s war against Ukraine

53

State aid: Commission approves €2 billion Italian guarantee scheme for the reinsurance of natural gas and electricity trade credit risk in context of Russia’s war against Ukraine* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €2 billion Italian scheme for the reinsurance (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a Romanian scheme worth €390M under the Recovery and Resilience Facility to support high-efficient cogeneration of electricity and heat

64

State aid: Commission approves €390 million Romanian scheme under Recovery and Resilience Facility to support high-efficient cogeneration of electricity and heat* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €390 million Romania scheme, made available in part through the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves up to €5.2 billion of public support by thirteen Member States for the second Important Project of Common European Interest in the hydrogen value chain

88

State Aid: Commission approves up to €5.2 billion of public support by thirteen Member States for the second Important Project of Common European Interest in the hydrogen value chain* The Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a second Important Project of Common European (...)

European Commission The EU Commission publishes a report which reveals that Covid-19 State aid measures allowed for unprecedented levels of support whilst preserving the level-playing field for businesses

82

State aid: 2021 Scoreboard shows that COVID-19 State aid measures allowed for unprecedented levels of support while preserving the level-playing field* The 2021 State Aid Scoreboard, published today by the European Commission and relating to State aid expenditure in 2020, shows the crucial (...)

European Commission The EU Commission prohibits the acquisition of a company producing a novel blood testing technology by a large biotech company on the grounds that it would allow the combination to foreclose competition in an innovative and important market (Illumina / Grail)

169

Mergers: Commission prohibits acquisition of GRAIL by Illumina* The European Commission has prohibited, under the EU Merger Regulation, the implemented acquisition of GRAIL by Illumina. The merger would have stifled innovation, and reduced choice in the emerging market for blood-based early (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves modifications to Polish State aid scheme, including a €5.1B budget increase, to support companies in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

60

State aid: Commission approves modifications to Polish scheme, including €5.1 billion budget increase, to support companies in context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine* The European Commission has approved modifications, including a budget increase of €5.1 billion (PLN 24.5 billion), to an (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation into a proposed acquisition of two suppliers of retail mobile and fixed telecommunication services by a large French telecommunications company (VOO / Brutélé / Orange)

126

Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition of VOO and Brutélé by Orange* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of VOO and Brutélé by Orange under the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission is (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a German support scheme worth €215M to compensate the German national rail company for damages suffered by its subsidiaries due to the coronavirus pandemic (Deutsche Bahn)

144

State aid: Commission approves €215 million German support to compensate Deutsche Bahn for damages suffered by its subsidiaries due to the coronavirus pandemic* The European Commission has found a €215 million German support measure in favour of Deutsche Bahn AG to be in line with EU State (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves the acquisition of an engineering firm by a rival, subject to a divestment of the acquirer’s railway installation business (Bouygues / Equans)

114

Mergers: Commission approves Bouygues’ acquisition of Equans, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, Bouygues’ acquisition of Equans. The approval is conditional on full compliance with commitments offered by Bouygues. Executive (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves up to €5.4B of State aid from 15 Member States for an Important Project of a Common European Interest in the hydrogen technology value chain

75

State Aid: Commission approves up to €5.4 billion of public support by fifteen Member States for an Important Project of Common European Interest in the hydrogen technology value chain* The Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, an Important Project of Common European Interest (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves an Italian scheme worth €1.2B under the Recovery and Resilience Facility to support investments in photovoltaic panels in the agricultural sector

74

State aid: Commission approves €1.2 billion Italian scheme under Recovery and Resilience Facility to support investments in photovoltaic panels in agricultural sector* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €1.2 billion Italian scheme made available through the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission welcomes an agreement on the regulation of foreign subsidies, including rules governing concentrations, public procurement procedures and all other areas that could lead to unfair competition between member States

86

Foreign Subsidies: Commission welcomes political agreement on Regulation on distortive foreign subsidies* The Commission welcomes the political agreement reached today between the European Parliament and EU Member States on the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (‘FSR’). The FSR is an important (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves award of slots at Lisbon airport to Swiss low-cost airline company following national competitor’s restructuring (Easyjet / TAP Air Portugal)

91

State aid: Commission approves award of slots at Lisbon airport to easyJet following TAP Group’s restructuring* The European Commission has ranked easyJet first among the air carriers that have applied for the portfolio of up to 18 daily slots at Lisbon airport. The slots will be made (...)

European Commission The EU Commission sends a statement of objections to Czech and Austrian rail incumbents over alleged collective boycott (České dráhy / Österreichische Bundesbahnen)

383

Antitrust: Commission sends Statement of Objections to České dráhy and Österreichische Bundesbahnen over alleged collective boycott* The European Commission has informed České dráhy (‘ČD’) and Österreichische Bundesbahnen (‘ÖBB’), the Czech and Austrian rail incumbents, of its preliminary (...)

European Commission The EU Commission green-lights a €160M Portuguese scheme to alleviate the damage done to gas-intensive industries amid rising gas prices due to the Russo-Ukrainian War

346

State aid: Commission approves €160 million Portuguese scheme to support gas intensive companies in context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine* The European Commission has approved a €160 million Portuguese scheme to support gas intensive companies in the context of Russia’s invasion of (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an investigation into whether Czech support for digital terrestrial television operators breaches EU State aid rules (Česká televize / České Radiokomunikace / Digital Broadcasting)

355

State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into Czech support measure for Digital Terrestrial Television operators* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether public support that Czechia plans to grant in favour of Digital Terrestrial Television (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €500M Luxembourgish State aid scheme guaranteeing loans with a view to increasing liquidity in the face of the geopolitical crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

333

State aid: Commission approves €500 million Luxembourgish scheme to support companies in context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine* The European Commission has approved a €500 million Luxembourgish guarantee scheme to support companies across sectors in the context of Russia’s invasion of (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €1.2B State aid Scheme by the Italian government to support the agriculture and fishing industries following the fallout from the Russo-Ukrainian War

327

State aid: Commission approves €1.2 billion Italian scheme to support agricultural, forestry, fishery and aquaculture sectors in context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine* The European Commission has approved a €1.2 billion Italian umbrella scheme to support the agricultural, forestry, fishery (...)

European Commission The EU Commission preliminarily finds an abuse of dominance by a Big Tech firm based on denying access to essential hardware that would allow other apps to compete with its payment feature (Apple Pay)

732

Antitrust: Commission sends Statement of Objections to Apple over practices regarding Apple Pay* The European Commission has informed Apple of its preliminary view that it abused its dominant position in markets for mobile wallets on iOS devices. By limiting access to a standard technology (...)

European Commission The EU Commission Executive Vice-President Vestager comments on the decision by Europe’s two largest producers of insulating panels to drop their proposed merger following a Statement of Objections (Kingspan / Trimo)

272

Statement by Executive Vice-President Vestager on the decision by Kingspan and European Architectural Systems to abandon the proposed transaction involving the purchase of Trimo* The European Commission takes note of the decision by Kingspan and European Architectural Systems (i.e. the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €250M Portuguese measure to facilitate access to finance for small and medium enterprises affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (Banco Português de Fomento)

643

State aid: Commission approves €250 million Portuguese measure under the Recovery and Resilience Facility to further capitalise Banco Português de Fomento* The European Commission approved, under EU State aid rules, a €250 million Portuguese aid measure, made available through the Recovery (...)

European Commission The EU Commission partially refers an acquisition in the pharmaceutical sector to the French Competition authority and unconditionally clears the proposed merger outside France (McKesson / Phoenix)

391

Mergers: Commission partially refers acquisition of a part of McKesson by Phoenix to France’s competition authority and clears proposed merger outside France* The European Commission has partially referred the proposed acquisition of a part of McKesson by Phoenix to the French competition (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €209M of Hungarian aid for construction of a global information and communications technology company’s electric vehicle battery plant (SK On Hungary)

315

State aid: Commission approves €209 million Hungarian aid for construction of SK On Hungary’s electric vehicle battery plant* The European Commission has found that Hungary’s €209 million measure in favour of SK On Hungary is in line with EU State aid rules. The investment aid will support (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €2.9 billion Spanish scheme to partially compensate energy-intensive companies for higher electricity prices resulting from indirect emission costs

310

State aid: Commission approves €2.9 billion Spanish scheme to compensate energy-intensive companies for indirect emission costs* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a Spanish scheme to partially compensate energy-intensive companies for higher electricity prices (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €1.4B Czech scheme to partially compensate energy-intensive companies for higher electricity prices as a result of indirect emission costs

306

State aid: Commission approves €1.4 billion Czech scheme to compensate energy-intensive companies for indirect emission costs* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a Czech scheme to partially compensate energy-intensive companies for higher electricity prices (...)

European Commission The EU Commission unconditionally approves the merger between a major US online retail platform with audiovisual content and a Hollywood film production company (Amazon / MGM)

391

Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of MGM by Amazon* The European Commission has approved unconditionally, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of MGM Holdings Inc. (‘MGM’) by Amazon.com Inc (‘Amazon’). The Commission concluded that the transaction would raise no (...)

European Commission The EU Commission finds that Hungary’s veto over the acquisition of an insurance company’s subsidiaries by an Austrian operator breached Article 21 of the EU Merger Regulation (AEGON / Vienna Insurance)

512

Mergers: Commission finds that Hungary’s veto over the acquisition of AEGON’s Hungarian subsidiaries by VIG breached Article 21 of the EU Merger Regulation* The European Commission has concluded that Hungary’s decision to veto the acquisition of the Hungarian subsidiaries of the AEGON Group (...)

European Commission The EU Commission finds that Hungary’s decision to block a merger between two insurance firms breached EU law because the Commission has exclusive competence to assess mergers with a Union dimension (AEGON / Vienna Insurance)

168

Mergers: Commission finds that Hungary’s veto over the acquisition of AEGON’s Hungarian subsidiaries by VIG breached Article 21 of the EU Merger Regulation* The European Commission has concluded that Hungary’s decision to veto the acquisition of the Hungarian subsidiaries of the AEGON Group (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €1.7 billion German measure to recapitalise a national airport in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic (Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg)

453

State aid: Commission approves €1.7 billion German measure to recapitalise Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg in the context of the coronavirus pandemic* The European Commission has approved German plans to grant up to €1.7 billion for the recapitalisation of Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg Gmbh (...)

European Commission The EU Commission clears the merger between a Big Tech company and a provider of customer service and support CRM software, subject to conditions (Meta / Kustomer)

516

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Kustomer by Meta (formerly Facebook), subject to conditions* The European Commission has today approved under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Kustomer by Meta (formerly Facebook). The approval is conditional on full compliance (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €20M Spanish scheme under the Recovery and Resilience Facility to support the deployment of intelligent transportation systems

401

State aid: Commission approves €20 million Spanish scheme under Recovery and Resilience Facility to support deployment of intelligent transportation systems* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €20 million Spanish scheme made available through the Recovery and (...)

European Commission The EU Commission prohibits a merger between two South Korean shipbuilders as it would have created a dominant position for the newly merged company and reduced competition in the worldwide market for the construction of large liquefied gas carriers (DSME / HHIH)

391

Mergers: Commission prohibits proposed acquisition of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering by Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings* The European Commission has prohibited, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering CO., Ltd (DSME) by (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €24M of Hungarian investment aid to a manufacturing company’s extension of its battery copper foil plant (Volta Energy Solutions)

356

State aid: Commission approves €24 million Hungarian investment aid to Volta Energy Solutions’ battery copper foil plant* The European Commission has found Hungary’s €24 million investment aid to Volta Energy Solutions for the extension of a battery copper foil plant in the Hungarian region (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves an €88M German support to compensate a national railway company for damages suffered by its subsidiary due to the COVID-19 outbreak (Deutsche Bahn / DB Cargo)

336

State aid: Commission approves €88 million German support to compensate Deutsche Bahn for damages suffered by its subsidiary DB Cargo due to the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has found a €88 million German support measure in favour of Deutsche Bahn AG to be in line with EU (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €71.4 million Portuguese measure to further compensate an airline company for damages suffered due to COVID-19 pandemic (TAP Air Portugal)

308

State aid: Commission approves €71.4 million Portuguese measure to further compensate TAP Air Portugal for damages suffered due to coronavirus pandemic* Today, the European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €71.4 million Portuguese aid measure to further support TAP Air (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves approves €9.8 million Belgian measure to recapitalise national airport in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic (Brussels South Charleroi Airport)

165

State aid: Commission approves €9.8 million Belgian measure to recapitalise Brussels South Charleroi Airport in the context of the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved Belgian plans to grant up to €19.2 million for the recapitalisation of the Brussels South Charleroi (...)

European Commission The EU Commission unconditionally approves the acquisition of a transcription software company active in the healthcare sector and customer engagement solutions by a global technology company (Microsoft / Nuance)

369

Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Nuance by Microsoft* The European Commission has approved unconditionally, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Nuance Communications, Inc. (‘Nuance’) by Microsoft Corporation (‘Microsoft’). The Commission concluded that the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €2.55 billion Portuguese restructuring aid in favour of a national airline company and a €107 million compensation for damages suffered due to COVID-19 pandemic (TAP Air Portugal)

280

State aid: Commission approves €2.55 billion Portuguese restructuring aid in favour of TAP Group and €107 million compensation for damages suffered due to coronavirus pandemic* Today, the European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules: (i) €2.55 billion of restructuring aid to (...)

European Commission The EU Commission endorses the new Guidelines on State aid for Climate, Environmental Protection and Energy which align with the important EU objectives and targets set out in the European Green Deal

210

State aid: Commission endorses the new Guidelines on State aid for Climate, Environmental protection and Energy* The College of Commissioners today endorsed the new Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy (‘CEEAG’). The CEEAG will be formally adopted in (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €150 million Spanish scheme under Recovery and Resilience Facility to support the deployment of passive infrastructure for mobile networks

232

State aid: Commission approves €150 million Spanish scheme under Recovery and Resilience Facility to support deployment of passive infrastructure for mobile networks* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €150 million Spanish scheme made available through the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €3B scheme under the Spanish "Recovery and Resilience Plan" to support research, development, innovation, environmental protection and energy efficiency in the automotive value chain

207

State aid: Commission approves €3 billion scheme under the Spanish Recovery and Resilience Plan to support research, development, innovation, environmental protection and energy efficiency in automotive value chain* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €3 billion (...)

European Commission The EU Commission alongside the US FTC and DoJ launches an EU-US Joint Technology Competition Policy Dialogue to foster cooperation in competition policy and enforcement in the technology sector

238

Competition: EU-US launch Joint Technology Competition Policy Dialogue to foster cooperation in competition policy and enforcement in technology sector* Today, European Commission Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, US Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan and the Assistant (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €700 million French scheme to support certain companies particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictive measures put in place by the government to limit the spread of the virus

542

State aid: Commission approves EUR 700 million French scheme to compensate for damage suffered by certain companies due to the coronavirus pandemic.* The European Commission has approved, under the EU State aid rules, a EUR 700 million French scheme to support certain companies particularly (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition of a family-owned plastic and foam manufacturer by its competitor (Greiner / Recticel)

488

Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition of Recticel by Greiner* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Recticel by Greiner under the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission is concerned that the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €2.27B Greek aid scheme to support electricity production from renewable energy sources and high-efficiency combined heat and power

533

State aid: Commission approves €2.27 billion Greek aid scheme to support electricity production from renewable energy sources and high efficiency combined heat and power* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €2.27 billion Greek scheme for the production of (...)

European Commission The EU Commission adopts Communication on a competition policy fit for new challenges, including for the Single Market’s COVID-19 recovery, and for the green and digital transitions

1282

Competition: Commission outlines contribution of competition policy and its review to green and digital transition, and to a resilient Single Market* The European Commission has adopted a Communication on a competition policy fit for new challenges, which frames the important role of (...)

European Commission The EU Commission adopts interim measures to prevent harm to competition following a merger between biological and pharmaceutical companies (Illumina / Grail)

438

Mergers: Commission adopts interim measures to prevent harm to competition following Illumina’s early acquisition of GRAIL* The European Commission has adopted interim measures to restore and maintain the conditions of effective competition following Illumina’s early acquisition of GRAIL, (...)

European Commission The EU Commission carries out unannounced inspections at the premises of a pharmaceutical company active in animal health in Belgium due to suspected abuse of dominance

765

Antitrust: Commission carries out unannounced inspections in the animal health sector in Belgium* The European Commission is conducting unannounced inspections at the premises of a pharmaceutical company active in animal health in Belgium. The Commission has concerns that the inspected (...)

European Commission The EU Commission invites comments on draft amendments to the General Block Exemption Regulation to further facilitate implementation of aid measures promoting the green and digital transition

742

State aid: Commission invites comments on draft proposal to further facilitate implementation of aid measures promoting the green and digital transition* The European Commission is inviting Member States and all other interested parties to comment on certain proposed amendments to the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission in two separate decisions clears Italian public support for a ferry service and closes the investigation on another ferry service that has since been put into liquidation (Laziomar) (Saremar)

396

State aid: Commission clears Italian public support for Laziomar ferry service; closes investigation concerning support to Saremar* The European Commission has concluded that the public service compensation granted since 2011 to Laziomar S.p.A. (‘Laziomar’) for the operation of ferry (...)

European Commission The EU Commission announces interim measures following a breach of the standstill obligation between two healthcare companies specialized in genomic sequencing (Illumina / Grail)

658

Mergers: The Commission adopts a Statement of Objections in view of adopting interim measures following Illumina’s early acquisition of GRAIL* The European Commission has sent a Statement of Objections to Illumina and GRAIL informing them of the interim measures it intends to adopt following (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves an award of slots at the Paris-Orly airport to a low-cost airline company in the context of its competitor’s recapitalisation due to the COVID-19 pandemic (Vueling / Air France)

616

State aid: Commission approves award of slots at Paris-Orly airport to Vueling in context of Air France’s recapitalisation* The European Commission has ranked Vueling first among the air carriers that have applied for the portfolio of up to 18 daily slots at Paris-Orly airport. These will be (...)

European Commission The EU Court of Justice sets aside the General Court’s judgment and rules that the Commission correctly found an aid scheme within the tax exemptions granted by Belgium to multinational companies (Magnetrol International)

321

Tax exemptions granted by Belgium to multinational companies by way of rulings: the Commission correctly found that there was an aid scheme* The Court of Justice sets aside the judgment delivered on 14 February 2019 by the General Court and refers the case back to the latter for it to rule (...)

European Commission The EU Commission concludes after an in-depth investigation that Italian loans worth €900 million granted to a national airline are illegal aid (Alitalia)

501

State aid: Commission concludes Italian loans worth €900 million to Alitalia are illegal aid* The European Commission has concluded that two State loans for an amount of €900 million, granted by Italy to Alitalia in 2017, are illegal under EU State aid rules. Italy must therefore recover the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves Greek commitments to remove the distortion created by the state-owned electricity provider’s exclusive access to lignite-fired generation (PPC)

668

Antitrust: Commission approves Greek measures to increase access to electricity for PPC’s competitors* The European Commission has made legally binding, under EU antitrust rules, measures proposed by Greece to allow the competitors of Public Power Corporation (PPC), the Greek state-owned (...)

European Commission The EU Commission finds that a new Italian airline company is not an economic successor and therefore is not liable to repay an illegal State aid received by another national air carrier (ITA / Alitalia)

1211

State aid: Commission finds new air carrier ITA is not Alitalia’s economic successor and Italy’s capital injections into ITA are market conform* The European Commission has found that Italia Trasporto Aereo S.p.A. (“ITA”) is not the economic successor of Alitalia and, hence, it is not liable (...)

European Commission The EU Commission finds that Denmark and Sweden need to recover €66 million of incompatible aid resulting from two capital injections granted to a postal company (PostNord / Post Danmark)

829

State aid: €314.6 million capital injection from PostNord to Post Danmark does not constitute State aid; Denmark and Sweden need to recover €66 million of incompatible aid from PostNord* The European Commission has found that an internal capital injection of DKK 2.34 billion (approximately (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €520 million Italian scheme to compensate the trade fairs and congress sector for damages suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic

386

State aid: Commission approves €520 million Italian scheme to compensate the trade fairs and congress sector for damages suffered due to the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €520 million Italian scheme to compensate companies active in (...)

European Commission The EU Commission starts an investigation for possible breach of a standstill obligation in a merger between two biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies (Illumina / Grail)

497

Mergers: Commission starts investigation for possible breach of the standstill obligation in Illumina / GRAIL transaction* The European Commission has decided to open an investigation to assess whether Illumina’s decision to complete its acquisition of GRAIL, while the Commission’s in-depth (...)

European Commission The EU Commission gives the green light to a new synthetic securitization product under the European Guarantee Fund to further support SMEs affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in 22 Member States

380

State aid: Commission gives green light to new synthetic securitisation product under the European Guarantee Fund to further support SMEs affected by the coronavirus outbreak in 22 Member States* The European Commission approved, under EU State aid rules, the introduction of a new product (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €550M German support measure to compensate a national railway company for damages suffered by its subsidiary due to the Covid-19 pandemic (Deutsche Bahn / DB Fernverkehr)

342

State aid: Commission approves €550 million German support to compensate Deutsche Bahn for damages suffered by its subsidiary DB Fernverkehr due to the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has found a €550 million German support measure in favor of Deutsche Bahn AG (“Deutsche Bahn”) (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation following a referral from Austria to assess the proposed acquisition of a company specialized in the supply of customer relationship management software by a Big Tech company (Facebook / Kustomer)

597

Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Kustomer by Facebook* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Kustomer by Facebook under the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission is concerned that the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €800 million Italian scheme to compensate airports and ground-handling operators for the damage suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic

279

State aid: Commission approves €800 million Italian scheme to compensate airports and ground-handling operators for the damage suffered due to the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €800 million Italian scheme to compensate airports and (...)

European Commission The EU 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 Covid-19 pandemic

275

State aid: 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* The European Commission adopted today an extension of the scope of the General Block (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €1.2 billion rescue loan and opens an investigation into a €3.2 billion Portuguese further restructuring aid in favour of a national airline company (TAP)

148

State aid: Commission approves €1.2 billion rescue loan; opens investigation into €3.2 billion Portuguese further restructuring aid in favour of TAP* By two separate decisions adopted today, the European Commission has (i) re-approved €1.2 billion rescue aid to Transportes Aéreos Portugueses (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €39.7 million of Italian aid measures to compensate a national airline company for further damages suffered due to COVID-19 outbreak (Alitalia)

733

State aid: Commission approves €39.7 million of Italian aid measure to compensate Alitalia for further damages suffered due to coronavirus outbreak* 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 (...)

European Commission The EU Commission clears public support for several ferry services in Italy but finds other measures to be incompatible with State aid rules (Siremar / Società Navigazione Siciliana)

367

State aid: Commission clears public support for several ferry services in Italy; finds other measures to Siremar and SNS to be incompatible aid* The European Commission has concluded that the public service compensation granted since 2009 to Sicilia Regionale Marittima S.p.A. (‘Siremar’) and (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €800 million Italian scheme to support companies in context of the coronavirus outbreak, as well as development and production of COVID-19-relevant products

390

State aid: Commission approves €800 million Italian scheme to support companies in context of coronavirus outbreak, as well as development and production of coronavirus-relevant products* The European Commission has approved a €800 million Italian scheme to support companies affected by the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves the modification of the existing German State aid scheme to support rail freight operators and mitigate the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the sector

261

State aid: Commission approves modification of existing German scheme to support rail freight operators and mitigate effects of coronavirus outbreak on the sector* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the modification of an existing German aid scheme to support (...)

European Commission The EU Commission fines several investment banks €371M for participating in a European government bond trading cartel (Bank of America / Natixis / RBS / UBS / UniCredit / WestLB)

412

Antitrust: Commission fines investment banks € 371 million for participating in a European Governments Bonds trading cartel* The European Commission has found that Bank of America, Natixis, Nomura, RBS (now NatWest), UBS, UniCredit and WestLB (now Portigon) have breached EU antitrust rules (...)

European Commission The EU Commission fines a chemical company €7.5 million for providing misleading information during an investigation regarding its merger with a competitor (Merck / Sigma-Aldrich)

298

Mergers: Commission fines Sigma-Aldrich €7.5 million for providing misleading information during Merck takeover investigation* The European Commission has fined Sigma-Aldrich €7.5 million for providing incorrect or misleading information during the Commission’s investigation under the EU (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €12 million COVID-19 damage compensation as well as a €255.5 million of liquidity support to two airline companies in Portugal and extends an ongoing in-depth investigation to planned restructuring aid (SATA / Azores)

243

State aid: Commission approves €12 million coronavirus damage compensation and €255.5 million of liquidity support to SATA Air Açores and Azores Airlines in Portugal; extends ongoing in-depth investigation to planned restructuring aid* The European Commission has approved €12 million in (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a restructuring aid for Polish regional railways as the country commits to an accelerated opening to competition of regional passenger rail transport

205

State aid: Commission approves restructuring aid for Polish Regional Railways, as Poland commits to an accelerated opening to competition of regional passenger rail transport* The European Commission has concluded that Polish measures to support the restructuring of Polish Regional Railways, (...)

European Commission The EU Commission adopts revised regional aid guidelines

615

State aid: Commission adopts revised Regional Aid Guidelines* The European Commission has adopted revised EU guidelines on regional State aid (the “Regional Aid Guidelines”), setting out the rules under which Member States can grant State aid to companies to support the economic development (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €400 million Dutch loan scheme to support companies providing package travel and linked travel arrangements in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

478

State aid: Commission approves €400 million Dutch loan scheme to support companies providing package travel and linked travel arrangements in context of coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved a €400 million Dutch loan scheme to support companies providing package travel (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €24.7 million Italian aid to compensate a national airline company for further damages suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic (Alitalia)

394

State aid: Commission approves €24.7 million of Italian support to compensate Alitalia for further damages suffered due to coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has found €24.7 million of Italian support in favour of Alitalia to be in line with EU State aid rules. This measure aims (...)

European Commission The EU Commission publishes a public consultation to gather views and evidence from a panel to ensure that competition rules do not stand in the way of collective bargaining

384

Competition: Commission invites stakeholders to provide comments on the application of EU competition law to collective bargaining agreements for self-employed* The European Commission has launched today a public consultation to gather views and evidence from citizens, businesses, social (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens a formal investigation into possible anticompetitive conduct of a global pharmaceutical company concerning a blockbuster multiple sclerosis medicine (Teva)

401

Antitrust: Commission opens formal investigation into possible anticompetitive conduct of Teva in relation to a blockbuster multiple sclerosis medicine* The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation to assess whether the pharmaceutical company Teva has illegally delayed (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation to assess whether German plans to compensate lignite-fired power plants for phasing out earlier than foreseen are in line with EU State aid rules (RWE / LEAG)

204

State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into compensation for early closure of lignite-fired power plants in Germany* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether German plans to compensate lignite-fired power plants for phasing out earlier than (...)

European Commission The EU Commission clears the acquisition of American medical devices provider by leading medical imaging solutions company subject to conditions (Varian / Siemens Healthineers)

317

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Varian by Siemens Healthineers, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Varian Medical Systems by Siemens AG, through its subsidiary Siemens Healthineers. The approval (...)

European Commission The EU Commission accepts commitments made by a pharmaceutical company to reduce prices for six off-patent cancer medicines by 73% addressing excessive pricing concerns (Aspen)

592

Antitrust: Commission accepts commitments by Aspen to reduce prices for six off-patent cancer medicines by 73% addressing excessive pricing concerns* The European Commission has made commitments offered by Aspen legally binding under EU antitrust rules. Aspen has to reduce its prices in (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €300 million Austrian scheme for package travel organisers and facilitators of linked travel services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

294

State aid: Commission approves €300 million Austrian scheme for package travel organisers and facilitators of linked travel services in the context of the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €300 million Austrian scheme for package travel (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an investigation into possible trade restrictions by one of the largest producers of chocolate, biscuits, and coffee in the Union (Mondelēz)

423

Antitrust: Commission opens formal investigation into possible trade restrictions by Mondelēz* The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation to assess whether Mondelēz has restricted competition in a range of national markets for chocolate, biscuits and coffee by (...)

European Commission The EU Commission fines the owner of an online PC gaming platform and five publishers for entering into “geo-blocking” practices (Valve / Bandai Namco / Capcom / Focus Home / Koch Media / ZeniMax)

139

Antitrust: Commission fines Valve and five publishers of PC video games € 7.8 million for “geo-blocking” practices* The European Commission has fined Valve, owner of the online PC gaming platform “Steam”, and the five publishers Bandai Namco, Capcom, Focus Home, Koch Media and ZeniMax € 7.8 (...)

European Commission The EU Commission clears acquisition of American financial markets data and infrastructure provider by a financial infrastructure company subject to conditions (Refinitiv / London Stock Exchange Group)

287

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Refinitiv by London Stock Exchange Group, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Refinitiv by the London Stock Exchange Group (‘LSEG’). The approval is conditional on full (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves investment aid for Czech orchards and irrigations and opens investigations into national measures in favour of large agricultural companies

73

State aid: Commission approves investment aid for Czech orchards and irrigations; opens in-depth investigations into Czech measures in favour of large agricultural companies* The European Commission has approved two Czech investment aid support schemes for the restructuring of orchards and (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €73 million of Italian support to compensate national airline for further damages suffered due to coronavirus outbreak (Alitalia)

77

State aid: Commission approves €73 million of Italian support to compensate Alitalia for further damages suffered due to coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has found €73.02 million of Italian support in favour of Alitalia to be in line with EU State aid rules. This measure aims at (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €120 million Greek support to compensate national airline company for damages suffered due to the Covid-19 pandemic (Aegean Airlines)

181

State aid: Commission approves €120 million Greek support to compensate Aegean Airlines for damages suffered due to coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has found a Greek grant of €120 million to Aegean Airlines to be in line with EU State aid rules. The measure aims at compensating (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an investigation into the proposed acquisition of an insurance brokerage company by a global risk management firm (Aon / Willis Towers Watson)

249

Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Willis Towers Watson by Aon* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Willis Towers Watson by Aon, under the EU Merger Regulation. Aon and Willis Tower (...)

European Commission The EU Commission publishes guiding templates to assist Member States in the design of their national recovery and resilience plans, consults on a possible extension of the general block exemption regulation, and conducts a survey on the implementation of the State aid temporary framework

486

State aid: Commission puts forward initiatives to further facilitate implementation of recovery and coronavirus support measures * The European Commission has today published guiding templates to assist Member States in the design of their national recovery and resilience plans in line with (...)

European Commission The EU Commission gives green light to the pan-European guarantee fund to enable up to €200 billion of additional financing for companies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in 21 Member States

169

State aid: Commission gives green light to the Pan-European Guarantee Fund to enable up to €200 billion financing for companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak in 21 Member States* The European Commission found the creation of a €25 billion Pan-European Guarantee Fund managed by the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €106.7 million restructuring aid and €30.2 compensation for damages suffered due to coronavirus outbreak in favour of French airline (Corsair)

133

State aid: Commission approves €106.7 million restructuring aid and €30.2 compensation for damages suffered due to coronavirus outbreak in favour of French airline Corsair* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, two French measures in favour of Corsair, an airline (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €20 million voucher scheme to support access to broadband services by students in Greece essential in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak

112

State aid: Commission approves €20 million voucher scheme to support access to broadband services by students in Greece* The European Commission has approved under EU State aid rules a €20 million voucher scheme to help students in Greece access broadband services and benefit from remote (...)

European Commission The EU Commission clears several telecommunication undertakings’ acquisition of a fibre network operator, subject to conditions (Altice / Allianz / Omer / Covage)

171

Mergers: Commission clears Altice, Allianz and Omers’ joint acquisition of Covage, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Covage by SFR FTTH, a company jointly controlled by Altice, Allianz and Omers. The (...)

European Commission The EU Commission fines two pharmaceutical companies €60.5 million for delaying the entry of cheaper generic medicine for sleep disorders (Teva / Cephalon)

162

Antitrust: Commission fines Teva and Cephalon €60.5 million for delaying entry of cheaper generic medicine* The European Commission has fined the pharmaceutical companies Teva and Cephalon €60.5 million for agreeing to delay for several years the market entry of a cheaper generic version of (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves Austrian ”Fixkostenzuschuss Phase II” scheme to support uncovered fixed costs of companies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

163

State aid: Commission approves Austrian ”Fixkostenzuschuss Phase II” scheme to support uncovered fixed costs of companies affected by coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved the Austrian “Fixkostenzuschuss Phase II” scheme to support the uncovered fixed costs of companies (...)

European Commission The EU Commission sends a statement of objections to a global e-commerce company for the use of non-public independent seller data and opens a second investigation into its e-commerce business practices (Amazon)

1957

Antitrust: Commission sends Statement of Objections to Amazon for the use of non-public independent seller data and opens second investigation into its e-commerce business practices* The European Commission has informed Amazon of its preliminary view that it has breached EU antitrust rules (...)

European Commission The EU Commission unconditionally clears the merger of two companies active in the acquisition of sports broadcasting rights in Czechia and Slovakia and in the sale of advertising space in Czechia (PPF / CME)

290

Mergers: Commission approves PPF’s acquisition of CME* The European Commission has approved unconditionally, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Central European Media Enterprises ("CME") by PPF Group NV ("PPF"). The Commission concluded the transaction would raise no (...)

European Commission The EU Commission takes note of the General Court’s judgment confirming its decision to prohibit an acquisition in the construction sector in Hungary and Croatia (HeidelbergCement / Schwenk Zement / Cemex)

287

Mergers: Commission takes note of General Court judgment in HeidelbergCement/Schwenk/Cemex Hungary/Cemex Croatia merger case* The European Commission takes note of the judgment of the General Court, which confirms the Commission’s decision prohibiting the acquisition by HeidelbergCement and (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation to assess whether a Belgian capacity mechanism to safeguard the security of electricity supply is in line with EU State aid rules

187

State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into Belgian capacity mechanism* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether a Belgian capacity mechanism to safeguard security of electricity supply is in line with EU State aid rules. Executive (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €62 million Romanian loan guarantee to compensate a national airline for damages suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide the airline with urgent liquidity support (Blue Air)

236

State aid: Commission approves €62 million Romanian loan guarantee to compensate Blue Air for damage suffered due to coronavirus outbreak and provide the airline with urgent liquidity support* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a Romanian loan guarantee of up to (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves German plans for a Bavarian fund to enable up to €46 billion of liquidity and capital support to enterprises in Bavaria in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak

162

State aid: Commission approves Bavarian fund to enable up to €46 billion of liquidity and capital support to enterprises in Bavaria in the context of the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved German plans to set up a €46 billion fund at the level of the German State (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €133 million Portuguese liquidity support to national airline and opens investigation into the airline’s other public support measures (SATA Air)

225

State aid: Commission approves €133 million Portuguese liquidity support to SATA airline; opens investigation into other public support measures* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, €133 million in liquidity support to SATA Air Açores (SATA). The aid will allow (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves an acquisition of a payment solution provider’s account-to-account payment business by a global payment card company, subject to conditions (Nets / Mastercard)

237

Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Nets’ account-to-account payment business by Mastercard, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Nets’ account-to-account payment business by Mastercard. The decision (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens in-depth investigation into public support for expansion of a chemical company’s electric vehicles battery plant in Poland (LG Chem)

267

State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into public support for expansion of LG Chem’s electric vehicles battery plant in Poland* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether €95 million of public support granted by Poland to chemical company LG (...)

European Commission The EU Commission adopts guidance for national courts when handling disclosure of confidential information in proceedings for the private enforcement of EU competition law

274

Antitrust: Commission adopts guidance for national courts when handling disclosure of confidential information* The European Commission has adopted a Communication on the protection of confidential information by national courts in proceedings for the private enforcement of EU competition (...)

European Commission The EU Commission recommends that Members States not grant financial support, including State aid, to companies with links to tax havens, especially in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak

234

State Aid: Commission recommends not granting financial support to companies with links to tax havens* The European Commission has today recommended that Member States do not grant financial support to companies with links to countries that are on the EU’s list of non-cooperative tax (...)

European Commission The EU Commission invites comments on a pharmaceutical company’s proposed commitment to reduce the price by 73% for six off-patent cancer medicines to remove the Commission’s excessive pricing concerns (Aspen)

276

Antitrust: Commission seeks feedback on commitments offered by Aspen to reduce prices for six off-patent cancer medicines by 73% to address Commission’s concerns over excessive pricing* The European Commission invites comments from all interested parties on commitments offered by Aspen to (...)

European Commission The EU Commission conditionally clears a merger of Polish integrated oil & gas companies active in many Central & Eastern European and Baltic countries, subject to conditions (Lotos / PKN Orlen)

270

Mergers: Commission clears Lotos’ acquisition by PKN Orlen, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Grupa Lotos by PKN Orlen. The approval is conditional on full compliance with a commitments package offered by PKN (...)

European Commission The EU Commission fines ethylene purchasers €260 million in cartel settlement for colluding to buy at the lowest possible price (Orbia / Clariant / Celanese / Westlake)

590

Antitrust: Commission fines ethylene purchasers € 260 million in cartel settlement* The European Commission has fined Orbia, Clariant and Celanese a total of € 260 million for breaching EU antitrust rules. Westlake was not fined as it revealed the cartel to the Commission. The companies (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €150 million Austrian subordinated loan to compensate a national airline company for damages suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic (Austrian Airlines)

268

State aid: Commission approves €150 million Austrian subordinated loan to compensate Austrian Airlines for damages suffered due to coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has found an Austrian €150 million subordinated loan (convertible into a grant) in favour of Austrian Airlines AG (...)

European Commission The EU Commission adopts a third amendment to extend the scope of the State aid Temporary Framework to support micro, small and start-up companies and incentivise private investments during the COVID-19 outbreak

188

State aid: Commission expands Temporary Framework to further support micro, small and start-up companies and incentivise private investments* The European Commission has adopted a third amendment to extend the scope of the State aid Temporary Framework adopted on 19 March 2020 to support the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of a major financial data provider by one of the world’s largest stock exchange groups (Refinitiv / London Stock Exchange Group)

156

Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Refinitiv by London Stock Exchange Group* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Refinitiv by the London Stock Exchange Group (“LSEG”) under the EU Merger (...)

European Commission The EU Commission consults the Member States on the proposal to expand State aid Temporary Framework to further support micro, small and start-up companies and incentivise private investments in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak

314

Coronavirus: Commission Statement on consulting Member States on proposal to expand State aid Temporary Framework to further support micro, small and start-up companies and incentivise private investments* Today, the European Commission has sent to Member States for consultation a draft (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves Polish recapitalization scheme to enable up to €1.65 billion of capital support to SMEs and large enterprises affected by the COVID-19 outbreak

234

State aid: Commission approves Polish recapitalisation scheme to enable up to €1.65 billion of capital support to SMEs and large enterprises affected by the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved a Polish recapitalisation scheme of up to €1.65 billion (PLN 7.5 billion) to (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €1.2 billion Portuguese urgent liquidity support to its major national airline company, whose already existing liquidity needs to be increased with COVID-19 (Transportes Aéreos Portugueses)

317

State aid: Commission approves €1.2 billion Portuguese urgent liquidity support to TAP* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, Portugal’s plans to grant a €1.2 billion rescue loan in favour of Transportes Aéreos Portugueses SGPS S.A. (“TAP”). The measure will provide (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €286 million Finnish State aid measure to recapitalise a national airline which is considered essential to the recovery of the national economy after the COVID-19 outbreak (Finnair)

313

State aid: Commission approves €286 million Finnish measure to recapitalise Finnair* The European Commission has approved Finnish plans to contribute to the recapitalisation of Finnair through the subscription of new shares by the State in the rights issue launched by Finnair on 10 June 2020 (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves, subject to conditions, an acquisition of a global pharma company’s animal health division by an animal health company subject to divestments (Elanco Animal Health / Bayer Animal Health)

333

Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Bayer’s animal health division by Elanco, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Bayer AGs animal health division by Elanco Animal Health Inc. The decision is (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €5 billion French “umbrella” scheme to support research and development as well as testing infrastructures and production of COVID-19 relevant products

529

State aid: Commission approves €5 billion French “umbrella” scheme to support research, development, testing infrastructures and production of coronavirus relevant products* The European Commission has approved a €5 billion French “umbrella” scheme to support research and development, (...)

European Commission The EU Commission consults stakeholders on a possible competition tool that would allow addressing structural competition problems, such as tipping markets, in a timely and effective manner

683

Antitrust: Commission consults stakeholders on a possible new competition tool* The European Commission has published today an inception impact assessment as well as an open public consultation inviting comments on exploring the need for a possible new competition tool that would allow (...)

European Commission The EU Commission waives all structural remedies committed to by merging pharmaceutical parties due to new significant permanent changes in market conditions during the divestiture process (Takeda / Shire)

231

Mergers: Commission waives the commitments made by Takeda to obtain clearance of its acquisition of Shire* The European Commission has waived, under the EU Merger Regulation, the commitments made by Takeda to obtain clearance of its acquisition of Shire. The Commission approved the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves Lithuanian fund to enable up to €1 billion of liquidity and capital support to medium-sized and large enterprises affected by the COVID-19 outbreak

254

State aid: Commission approves Lithuanian fund to enable up to €1 billion of liquidity and capital support to medium-sized and large enterprises affected by the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved Lithuanian plans to set up a fund with a target size of up to €1 billion (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens in-depth investigation into a proposed merger between 2 leading airlines operating routes between Canada and Europe while recognizing the target markets are significantly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak (Transat / Air Canada)

375

Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Transat by Air Canada* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Transat by Air Canada, under the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission is concerned that the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €322 million Croatian loan guarantees and subsidised loans scheme for micro, small and medium-sized companies affected by COVID-19 outbreak

241

State aid: Commission approves €322 million Croatian loan guarantees and subsidised loans scheme for micro, small and medium-sized companies affected by coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved an approximately €322 million (HRK 2.450 million) Croatian scheme for loan (...)

European Commission The EU Commission invites comments on an updated proposal on simplified rules for State aid combined with EU support, inspired by temporary rules for aid to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak

326

State aid: Commission invites comments on updated proposal on simplified rules for State aid combined with EU support* The European Commission is inviting Member States and other stakeholders to comment on its updated proposal to exempt from prior Commission scrutiny under EU State aid rules (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €650 million Dutch scheme to compensate companies in the floriculture, specialty horticulture, and potato sectors for damage caused by COVID-19 outbreak

224

State aid: Commission approves €650 million Dutch scheme to compensate companies in the floriculture, specialty horticulture and potato sectors for damage caused by coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has found a €650 million Dutch scheme that compensates companies in the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission expands Temporary Framework to a recapitalization and subordinated debt measures to further support the economy in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak

410

State aid: Commission expands Temporary Framework to recapitalisation and subordinated debt measures to further support the economy in the context of the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has adopted a second amendment to extend the scope of the State aid Temporary Framework (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves four Danish schemes granting tax deferrals and comparable measures to ease liquidity constraints in SME’s facing difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic

265

STATE AID: COMMISSION APPROVES €130 MILLION DANISH SCHEMES TO SUPPORT SMES AFFECTED BY CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK* The European Commission has approved four Danish schemes with a budget of DKK 970 million (approximately €130 million) granting tax deferrals and comparable measures to ease liquidity (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a German “umbrella” scheme to support research, development, and testing as well as production of COVID-19 relevant products

378

State aid: Commission approves German “umbrella” scheme to support research, development, testing and production of coronavirus relevant products* The European Commission has approved a German “umbrella” scheme to support research, development, testing and production of coronavirus relevant (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a Lithuanian scheme worth €5M in the form of loan interest payments for SMEs active in road freight transport affected by the COVID-19 outbreak

323

State aid: Commission approves €5 million Lithuanian scheme for SMEs active in road freight transport affected by the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved a €5 million direct grant scheme to support the Lithuanian economy in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves Belgian €200,000 direct grant scheme to support agricultural and aquaculture sectors in Brussels-Capital region following COVID-19 outbreak

190

State aid: Commission approves €200,000 direct grant scheme to support agricultural and aquaculture sectors in Brussels-Capital region following coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved a €200,000 Belgian regional scheme to support agricultural and aquaculture sectors in (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €700M Polish State aid scheme to support companies including the agricultural and fishery sectors that are affected by the COVID-19 outbreak

160

State aid: Commission approves €700 million Polish aid scheme to support companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved a €700 million scheme to support the Polish economy in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The support measures available under (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €7.8 billion Polish schemes to support companies affected by the COVID-19 outbreak including direct grants, tax deferrals, and wage subsidies

167

State aid: Commission approves €7.8 billion Polish schemes to support companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved 11 Polish State aid schemes, with a total budget of PLN 35.1 billion (approximately €7.8 billion), to support the Polish economy in the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission clears merger of generic Big Pharma company with a competitor’s generic division, subject to the divestment of business for certain generic medicines (Mylan / Upjohn)

225

Mergers: Commission approves the merger of Mylan and Pfizer’s Upjohn division, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed merger between the global pharmaceutical company Mylan and Upjohn, a business division of Pfizer, which (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €100M Italian guarantee scheme to support SMEs in the agriculture, forestry, fishery, and aquaculture sectors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

295

State aid: Commission approves €100 million Italian guarantee scheme to support SMEs in the agriculture, forestry, fishery and aquaculture sectors affected by the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved a €100 million Italian State aid scheme to support small and (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €50M Italian subsidized loans scheme to support agriculture, forestry, and fishery sectors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region

271

State aid: Commission approves €50 million Italian subsidised loans scheme to support agriculture, forestry and fishery sectors affected by coronavirus outbreak in Friuli Venezia Giulia region* The European Commission has approved a €50 million Italian scheme to support the agricultural, (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €200 million Irish scheme in the form of direct grants, repayable advances, equity injections, and subsidised loans to support companies affected by the COVID-19 outbreak

156

State aid: Commission approves €200 million Irish scheme to support companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved a €200 million Irish scheme to support companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme, called “Sustaining Enterprise Scheme”, (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €1B Hungary State aid scheme to support companies through direct grants, loans, and equity measures during the COVID-19 outbreak

173

State aid: Commission approves €1 billion Hungarian aid scheme to support companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved a HUF 350 billion (approximately €1 billion) scheme to support the Hungarian economy in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves prolongation and modification of the French “Fonds de solidarité” scheme for small enterprises in temporary financial difficulties due to COVID-19 outbreak

298

State aid: Commission approves prolongation and modification of the French “Fonds de solidarité” scheme for small enterprises in temporary financial difficulties due to coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has found France’s prolongation and modification of a previously approved (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €1 billion Croatian State aid scheme that will take the form of zero-interest loans to help companies affected by the COVID-19 crisis

711

State aid: Commission approves €1 billion Croatian schemes to support companies affected by coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved two Croatian schemes to support the Croatian economy in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The schemes were approved under the State (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €15 billion Austrian liquidity State aid scheme in the form of direct grants, state guarantees for loans, and subsidised public loans to support the economy in the context of the COVID-19 crisis

686

State aid: Commission approves €15 billion Austrian liquidity scheme to support the economy in the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved a €15 billion Austrian liquidity scheme to support the economy in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved (...)

European Commission The EU Commission issues a Temporary Framework Communication on allowing limited cooperation among businesses, and a comfort letter especially for critical hospital medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic

925

Antitrust: Commission provides guidance on allowing limited cooperation among businesses, especially for critical hospital medicines during the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has published a Temporary Framework Communication to provide antitrust guidance to companies (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €140 million Hungarian State aid scheme managed by the Hungarian investment promotion agency to help the national economy during the COVID-19 crisis

201

The European Commission has approved a HUF 50 000 million (approximately €140 million) Hungarian aid scheme to support the Hungarian economy in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework adopted by the Commission on 19 March 2020, (...)

European Commission The EU Commission extends Temporary Framework to enable Member States to accelerate research, testing and production of coronavirus relevant products, to protect jobs, and to further support the economy in the COVID-19 outbreak

423

State aid: Commission extends Temporary Framework to enable Member States to accelerate research, testing and production of coronavirus relevant products, to protect jobs and to further support the economy in the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has adopted an amendment (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a €23 million Dutch scheme of direct grants to support providers of social support services and health care as well as youth care in offering services at home during the COVID-19 pandemic

261

State aid: Commission approves €23 million Dutch scheme to support the economy in the current coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved a €23 million Dutch scheme to support certain providers of social support and health care in offering services at home during the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €350 million Maltese guarantee scheme for working capital loans granted by commercial banks to support companies affected by the COVID-19 outbreak

174

State aid: Commission approves €350 million Maltese guarantee scheme to support economy in coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved a Maltese State aid scheme to support the economy in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves a Spanish “umbrella” scheme with measures that include direct grants and tax advantages, and where recipients include the self-employed affected by the COVID-19 outbreak

220

State aid: Commission approves Spanish “umbrella” scheme to support economy in coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved a Spanish aid scheme to support the Spanish economy in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €1.2 billion French “Fonds de solidarité” scheme for small enterprises in temporary financial difficulties due to COVID-19 outbreak

325

State aid: Commission approves €1.2 billion French “Fonds de solidarité” scheme for small enterprises in temporary financial difficulties due to coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has found France’s €1.2 billion scheme to support small and micro-enterprises as well as (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves €1.75 billion Estonian schemes to support companies with loan guarantees and direct loans under favorable terms during COVID-19 outbreak

169

State aid: Commission approves €1.75 billion Estonian schemes to support economy in coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved two Estonian State aid schemes to support the Estonian economy in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The schemes were approved under the State (...)

European Commission The EU Commission approves under EU State aid rules €1.3 billion Danish scheme that partially compensates the self-employed for the losses of turnover suffered due to the COVID-19

163

The European Commission has approved under EU State aid rules a DKK 10 billion (approximately €1.3 billion) Danish scheme that partially compensates the self-employed for the losses of turnover suffered due to the coronavirus outbreak. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge (...)

European Commission The EU Commission finds Latvian loan guarantee scheme and subsidised loan scheme of €250 million for companies affected by coronavirus outbreak to be in line with EU State aid rules

149

State aid: Commission approves state support for €250 million Latvian subsidised loan scheme and loan guarantee scheme for companies affected by coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has found Latvian loan guarantee scheme and subsidised loan scheme for companies affected by (...)

European Commission The EU Commission sets out European coordinated response to the economic effects of COVID-19, including preparing for increased State aid applications, and ensuring solidarity in the Single Market

71

COVID-19: Commission sets out European coordinated response to counter the economic impact of the Coronavirus* COVID-19 is a severe public health emergency for our citizens, societies and economies with infections in all Member States. It is also a major economic shock to the EU. The (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation into public service delegation contracts for maritime services which potentially constitute State aid in Corsica (Corsica Linea)

173

State aid: Commission launches in-depth investigation into public service delegation contracts for maritime services to Corsica* The European Commission has launched an in-depth investigation to determine whether the public service delegation contracts for maritime services to Corsica (...)

European Commission The EU Commission unconditionally approves a proposed acquisition of joint control in the telecommunications market (Prosegur Alarmas / Telefónica / Prosegur)

320

Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of joint control over Prosegur Alarmas by Telefónica and Prosegur* The European Commission has approved unconditionally, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of joint control over Prosegur Alarmas by Telefónica and Prosegur. The (...)

European Commission The EU Commission imposes fines totally €14M on several companies including a film and TV production company for restricting sales of film merchandise products (NBCUniversal)

396

Antitrust: Commission fines NBCUniversal €14.3 million for restricting sales of film merchandise products* The European Commission has fined several companies belonging to Comcast Corporation, including NBCUniversal LLC, (“NBCUniversal”) €14 327 000 for restricting traders from selling (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an investigation into a possible collusion by two French retailers in a purchasing alliance (Casino Guichard-Perrachon / Les Mousquetaires)

583

Antitrust: Commission opens investigation into possible collusion by two French retailers in a purchasing alliance* The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation to assess whether two French groups of retailers, Casino Guichard-Perrachon (known as ‘Casino’) and Les (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation to assess whether various financing measures granted by Hungarian State-owned entities to a company operating in the ground handling market comply with EU rules for aid to companies in difficulty (Malév)

434

State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into Hungarian support measures to Malév Ground Handling* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether various financing measures totalling approximately €21 million granted by Hungarian State-owned entities (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation to assess whether the plan by the Spanish region of Valencia to grant public support to a regional airline company is in line with EU State aid rules (Air Nostrum)

435

State aid: Commission opens investigation into public support for Air Nostrum’s fleet renewal in Spain* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether the plan by the Spanish region of Valencia to grant €9 million of public support to regional airline Air (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation to assess whether “excess profit” tax rulings granted by Belgium to multiple multinational companies are in line with EU State aids rules

378

State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigations into individual “excess profit” tax rulings granted by Belgium to 39 multinational companies* The European Commission has opened separate in-depth investigations to assess whether “excess profit” tax rulings granted by Belgium to 39 (...)

European Commission The EU Commission finds that the marketing agreements concluded between a local Association for the promotion of touristic and economic flows and an airline company are illegal under EU State aid rules (Ryanair / Montpellier airport)

504

State aid: France to recover €8.5 million of illegal aid to Ryanair at Montpellier airport* The European Commission has found that the marketing agreements concluded between the local Association for the Promotion of Touristic and Economic Flows (APFTE) and Ryanair at the airport of (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an investigation against a designer of integrated circuits for wired communication devices and sends a Statement of Objections seeking to impose interim measures in TV and modem chipsets markets (Broadcom)

388

The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation to assess whether Broadcom may be restricting competition through exclusivity practices, in breach of EU rules. The Commission intends to impose interim measures during the investigation with regard to TV and modem chipsets (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation to assess whether some capital injections granted by Denmark and Sweden to postal companies are in line with EU State aid rules (PostNord / Post Danmark)

322

State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into capital injections in favour of PostNord and Post Danmark* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether certain capital injections granted by Denmark and Sweden to PostNord and Post Danmark are in line (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation to determine whether the public financing model of the Fehmarn Belt fixed rail-road link is in line with EU State aid rules

275

State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into public financing of Fehmarn Belt fixed rail-road link* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to determine whether the public financing model of the Fehmarn Belt fixed rail-road link is in line with EU State aid (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens investigation into an insurance association in Ireland to assess whether the conditions of access to its Insurance Link data pooling system may restrict competition (Insurance Ireland)

404

Antitrust: Commission opens investigation into Insurance Ireland data pooling system* The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation into Insurance Ireland to assess whether the conditions of access to its Insurance Link data pooling system may restrict competition, in (...)

European Commission The EU Commission sends statements of objections to an American video game developer and five videogame publishers for “geo-blocking” of PC video games (Valve / Focus Home / Koch Media / ZeniMax / Bandai Namco / Capcom)

241

Antitrust: Commission sends Statements of Objections to Valve and five videogame publishers on “geo-blocking” of PC video games* The European Commission has informed Valve, owner of the “Steam” video game distribution platform, and five videogame publishers, of its preliminary view that the (...)

European Commission The EU Commission imposes a fine totaling €12.5 million on a multinational company selling football apparel and footwear for restricting cross-border sales of its merchandise (Nike)

459

Antitrust: Commission fines Nike €12.5 million for restricting cross-border sales of merchandising products* The European Commission has fined Nike €12.5 million for banning traders from selling licensed merchandise to other countries within the EEA. This restriction concerned merchandising (...)

European Commission The EU Commission imposes a fine of € 1.49 billion on a search engine company for abusing its dominant position by imposing restrictive clauses in contracts with third-party websites (Google AdSense)

709

Antitrust: Commission fines Google €1.49 billion for abusive practices in online advertising* The European Commission has fined Google €1.49 billion for breaching EU antitrust rules. Google has abused its market dominance by imposing a number of restrictive clauses in contracts with (...)

European Commission The EU Commission accepts remedies proposed by entertainment companies ending competition concerns in the pay-TV services market (Disney / NBC Universal / Sony Pictures / Warner Bros / Sky)

638

Antitrust: Commission accepts commitments by Disney, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. and Sky on cross-border pay-TV services* The European Commission has made commitments offered by Disney, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. and Sky legally binding under EU antitrust rules. (...)

European Commission The EU Commission opens an in-depth investigation to assess whether Danish and Swedish public support for a fixed rail-road link is in line with EU State aid rules (Øresund)

343

State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into public financing of Øresund fixed rail-road link* The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether Danish and Swedish public support for the Øresund fixed rail-road link is in line with EU State aid rules. (...)

European Commission The EU Commission sends a Statement of Objections to a telecommunications company over an alleged breach of merger clearance commitments (Telefónica Deutschland)

386

Mergers: Commission alleges Telefónica breached commitments given to secure clearance of E-Plus acquisition* The European Commission has sent a Statement of Objections to Telefónica Deutschland alleging the company breached commitments it offered to secure the Commission’s approval under the (...)