Press Release: State aid: Commission investigates Italian measures reducing taxes and social contributions in areas affected by natural disasters

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to examine whether Italian measures to reduce taxes and contributions due by companies in areas affected by natural disasters, mainly earthquakes and floods, are in line with EU state aid rules.

These rules allow Member States to make good damages caused by natural disasters. The Commission is concerned that these measures granted may have gone beyond compensating the actual damage suffered. The opening of a formal investigation allows the Commission to examine these measures more closely and gives interested parties the possibility to submit comments. It does not prejudge the outcome of the procedure.