Press Release: State aid: Commission opens formal investigation against Germany concerning possible subsidies to Deutsche Post

The European Commission has opened a formal investigation against Germany to assess whether compensation received by Deutsche Post AG (DPAG) is compatible with EC Treaty state aid rules (Article 87). The investigation will focus on whether DPAG was overcompensated for carrying out its universal service obligation, in addition to the aid already found to be incompatible in a 2002 Commission decision (see IP/02/890). The opening of an investigation procedure gives interested parties the opportunity to comment on the measures under assessment. It does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.