Revised EU state aid rules ‘could lead to closure of 100 small airports’

On 4 December 2013 EurActiv reported that regional stakeholders from all over Europe were pressing the European Commission to show more flexibility over new guidelines on state aid for airports and airlines, warning these could have “damaging consequences” for local economies.

The proposed revision of state aid rules would allow operating aid to airports under certain conditions for a 10-year transitional period. Regional stakeholders criticized the Commission for its one-size-fits-all approach.

On the 11 February 2014, EurActiv reported that a group of lawmakers had called on the European Commission to raise the state aid threshold for regional airports, arguing they are “vital” to the local economy and create “thousands of direct and indirect jobs”.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: State aid: Commission consults on new state aid rules for airports and airlines http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-state-aid-commission-consults-on-new-state-aid-rules-for-airports-and-airlines/

EurActiv, 11.02.14: MEPs join forces to raise EU state aid limit on regional airports http://www.euractiv.com/transport/state-aid-rules-regional-airport-news-533330

Deutsche Welle, 20.02.14: European Commission caps subsidies for regional airports http://dw.de/p/1BC3E

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