Press Release: Fair conditions of competition for regional airports: Commission launches consultation

Following its decision on Charleroi Airport, the European Commission on 8 February 2005 proposed clear rules on investment in airports both at infrastructure level and with respect to start-up aid. These rules were intended to authorise start-up aid for new routes opened at secondary airports, which at times were underused, albeit subject to strict conditions of transparency and with time limits. The facilities were also expected to guard against all forms of discrimination to the exclusive benefit of any one company. The proposed guidelines likewise sought to clarify methods for the financing of airport infrastructure. The Commission launched a public Internet consultation on the issue on 8 February 2005.