Press Release: State aid: the Commission opens in-depth investigation into subsidies granted to public transport in Ile-de-France

Following a complaint, on 11 March 2014, the European Commission opened an in-depth investigation to examine the compatibility with EU state aid rules of subsidies awarded since 1994 to undertakings that provide public transport services in Ile-de-France. According to France, the subsidies awarded between 1994 and 2008 to 235 beneficiaries totalled €263 million. The Commission will check in particular whether the beneficiaries had additional costs linked to a public service obligation and if so, whether there was over‑compensation for the provision of these services.

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 investigation.