This Thursday (25 Jan 2018), the European Union Court dismissed the appeal lodged by Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA) against a decision by the European Commission. The latter has been asking since 2014 that the airport reimburses some six million euros to Belgium (in this case Wallonia, but the EU only recognises member states), the equivalent of illegally collected state aid.
Following an investigation initiated in 2002, the Commission had established that several advantages granted by Belgium (i.e. Wallonia) to Brussels South Charleroi Airport, in the form of a concession fee too low compared to what would have required by a private operator, constituted illegal state aid according to EU rules. This incompatibility with the internal market has existed since the new aviation guidelines entered into force on 4 April 2014.
The Commission, therefore, asked Belgium (i.e. Wallonia) to raise the amount of the concession – to almost EUR 15 million, against three million previously – and to recover the amounts of payments made under these aid measures since 4 April 2014.
BSCA lodged an appeal against this decision before the General Court of the European Union.
The CEO of Brussels Airport was satisfied with the decision:
Source: Twitter and own research
This post was published on 25 January 2018 14:02
Romanian carrier seeks protection from creditors as total liabilities reach €25.4 million; flight operations face…
Jetstar and Qantas have banned an Australian social media personality from flying with their airlines…
The Flemish Government has invoked a conflict of interest against the proposed changes to flight…
Brussels Airport will add eight manual border-control positions for arriving passengers by the end of…
Typhoon Champi has disrupted air travel across Taiwan, forcing the cancellation of more than 600…
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is experiencing major queues at security screening after new requirements introduced by…