Press Release: Commission requests Italy to comply with EU rules on public service contracts for regional ferry services

The European Commission has called on Italy to comply with EU rules on public service contracts once they have expired, thereby respecting the principle of non-discrimination among European ship owners.

Italy has failed to launch competitive procedures for the award of three public service contracts operated by regional shipping companies, in Campania, Latium and Sardinia. The contracts expired at the end of 2008, they were automatically extended afterwards and no competitive procedure has been launched for the award of new ones.

If Italy fails to inform the Commission within two months of the measures taken to ensure full compliance with EU law, the Commission could refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.