Press Release: State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into financing of infrastructure projects at German Leipzig/Halle airport

The European Commission opened on 15 June 2011 an in-depth investigation to verify whether loans and capital injections granted to the Leipzig/Halle airport, in Eastern Germany, to finance new infrastructure projects are in line with EU state aid rules. At this stage, the Commission considers that Germany has not demonstrated that the public funding, which covers 100 % of the total investment costs, is justified and proportionate. The Commission is particularly concerned that the aid may be giving the airport, which has become the European hub of DHL Express, an unfair advantage vis à vis its competitors in Germany or elsewhere in Europe. The opening of an in-depth investigation gives interested third parties the opportunity to comment on the measures under assessment. It does not prejudge the outcome of the procedure.