Press Release: State Aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into state aid to UK postal operator Royal Mail

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to ascertain whether UK plans to restructure the postal incumbent Royal Mail, by relieving it of its 'pension deficit' and strengthening its balance sheet, are in line with EU state aid rules. At this stage, the Commission has doubts that Royal Mail's restructuring plan foresees adequate measures to mitigate any distortions of competition brought about by the state intervention and to ensure a sufficient own contribution to the cost of restructuring. The opening of an in-depth investigation gives interested third parties the possibility to comment on the measures under examination. It does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.