Brussels, 19/11/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 19 November, the Commission gave its approval to the financing by the Dutch government of the runway extension at Groningen airport (Groningen Airport Eeelde NV - GAE).
A 2003 agreement between the Dutch state and GAE provided for the state's provision of a maximum of €18.62 million to fund this investment. This public support was provided to GAE in three payments made between 19 December 2003 and 23 February 2004. In a press release, the Commission says it “is disappointed that the Netherlands launched these measures without informing the Commission in advance, as required by the Treaty”. However, it decided not to raise objections to this arrangement after concluding that the state aid given to the airport operator was not detrimental to the common interest, and that it was “necessary and proportionate to achieve objectives of Community interest”. The Commission also considered that public financing of renovation of the airport's drainage and sewerage system was compatible with the common market. It decided, too, that the public funding given to Luchtverkeersleiding Nederland for air traffic control services at Groningen airport did not constitute state aid. The Commission concluded that the public financing of a new passenger terminal did not constitute state aid at the time it was granted. (O.L./transl.rt)