Press Release: State aid: Commission closes investigation into public financing of ferry shipping services in Scotland

On 28 October the European Commission decided that public financing for the operation of ferry shipping services in Scotland is compatible with State aid rules. However, this decision was subject to the condition that the national authorities launch a transparent and non-discriminatory public tender for the operation of the Gourock-Dunoon route in the western islands. The Commission will continue to closely monitor the public financing of the Scottish ferry transport system in order to avoid any undue distortion of competition.