Press Release: State aid: Commission opens in-depth inquiry into Italian support to former Tirrenia Group

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under EU state aid rules into several public support measures in favour of companies of the former Tirrenia Group, which operate ferries between mainland Italy and various islands.

The Commission is concerned that the public service compensation granted by Italy to these companies for operating certain maritime routes could procure them an unfair economic advantage over competitors. The Commission will also investigate whether additional support granted to Tirrenia Group companies in the context of their privatisation may distort competition.