Press Release: State aid: Commission opens in-depth inquiry into proposed subsidy to Volvo Cars Gent

The European Commission has launched an in-depth investigation to establish whether a €6.02 million grant the Flemish Region intends to give in support of training at Volvo Cars Gent is compatible with the EC Treaty rules on state aid. The Commission will assess whether the aid does in fact encourage the company to undertake additional training activities. If Volvo would have carried out the training in any event, the aid would not be necessary and would constitute operating aid, which is in principle prohibited. The opening of an in-depth investigation allows interested parties to comment on the proposed measures. It does not prejudge the outcome of the procedure.