Press Release: State aid: Commission opens inquiry into proposed subsidy to Ford’s plant in Genk, Belgium

The European Commission on 9 November 2005 launched an in-depth investigation to establish whether the €12.28 million the Flemish Region intended to grant for supporting training at Ford-Werke GmbH in Genk ('Ford Genk') was compatible with EC Treaty state aid rules. The Commission was concerned that the grant could distort competition between Member States to an extent contrary to the common interest, even if training may be of strategic importance for the industry in the region. The opening of the formal investigation was to allow interested parties to comment on the scheme. The launch of an in-depth inquiry did not prejudge the Commission’s final decision.