Press Release: State aid: European Commission opens formal investigation into possible infrastructure aid to German paper mill Propapier

The European Commission has opened a formal investigation to establish whether a new wastewater plant and surrounding infrastructure built by the German state constitute state aid in favour of Propapier's paper mill in Eisenhüttenstadt (Brandenburg, Germany). At this stage, the Commission cannot exclude that Propapier derives a predominant benefit from the infrastructure or part of it. The opening of an in-depth investigation gives interested third parties a possibility to comment on the measures and provides legal certainty. It does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.