Press Release: Antitrust: Commission opens formal proceedings against Deutsche Bahn

The European Commission has opened formal antitrust proceedings to investigate whether the German railway incumbent Deutsche Bahn AG and several of its subsidiaries operate an anticompetitive pricing system for traction current in Germany, in breach of EU antitrust rules. Traction current is a type of electricity used by trains on the railway network.

The Commission will investigate whether the discounts applied by Deutsche Bahn lead to higher prices for its competitors, placing them at a disadvantage on the rail freight and passenger markets. The opening of proceedings does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation; it merely means that the Commission will treat the case as a matter of priority.