Press Release: State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into Belgium’s La Poste after Court annulment of previous approval

The European Commission opened a formal investigation procedure to examine whether measures in favour of La Poste, the Belgian postal operator, in particular the yearly compensation for public service obligations, are in line with EC Treaty state aid rules. The Commission's initial approval was overturned by the Court of First Instance (CFI) in February 2009. The opening of a formal investigation procedure gives interested parties the opportunity to comment on the measures under examination. It does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.