Press Release: State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into Belgian aid for the costs of removal and destruction of fallen stock in the Walloon region

The European Commission opened on 13 January 2010 a formal investigation under the EU State aid rules into the Belgian aid scheme destined to cover costs associated to the removal and destruction of fallen stock in the Walloon region. The Commission has doubts concerning the compatibility of this scheme with EU law. The opening of a formal investigation allows the Commission to examine the measure more closely and gives interested third parties the possibility to submit comments. It does not prejudge the outcome of the procedure.