Press Release: State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into guarantee scheme of the German Land Saxony

The European Commission opened a formal investigation on 14 February, 2008, under EC Treaty state aid rules into a guarantee scheme run by the German Land of Saxony. The Commission has doubts as to the compatibility of the proposed scheme with the EC state aid rules. In particular, the Commission has concerns about the absence of exceptional circumstances that could warrant the granting of operating aid and about the proportionality of the measure. The opening of an in-depth investigation gives interested parties the possibility to comment on the proposed measure. It does not prejudge the outcome of the procedure.