|
The
new rules, part of a broad reform by the European Commission to
allow EU governments have more say on how they subsidize small
facilities and minor projects, could benefit more than 400 small
airports in the 28-country bloc.
The move would also free up resources at the EU competition
enforcer for big cases.
"Today's changes will save them (EU countries) time and trouble
when investing in ports and airports, culture and the EU's
outermost regions, whilst preserving competition," European
Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.
There are more than 420 airports in the EU with fewer than 3
million passengers yearly, accounting for some 80 percent of all
airports in the bloc but only about 13 percent of air traffic.
The Commission has in recent years ordered governments to claw
back millions of euros in illegal subsidies given to airports
and airlines such as Ryanair, TUI's <TUIT.L> German carrier
TUIfly and Lufthansa's <LHAG.DE> Germanwings, which is now
called Eurowings.
Under the new rules, authorities can cover the operating costs
of small airports handling up to 200,000 passengers annually,
which make up almost half of all airports in the EU.
The new rules also allow EU authorities to invest up to 150
million euros ($166.3 million) in maritime ports and up to 50
million euros in inland ports without seeking prior approval
from the EU competition enforcer.
State aid for start-ups will be allowed for up to five years,
while companies in remote regions will also find it easier to
apply for support. The outermost regions are French overseas
territories, Spain's Canary Islands and Portugal's Azores and
Madeira.
(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; editing by Philip Blenkinsop)
[© 2017 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2017 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
|
