Brussels, 27/01/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 27 January, the European Commission opened an in-depth investigation to establish whether electricity tariffs granted by the Greek state-owned Public Power Corporation to Aluminium of Greece constitute illegal state aid. The Commission will examine, in particular, whether electricity is supplied to Aluminium of Greece at below market price. It will also investigate allegations that the state-owned Public Gas Corporation paid the construction costs of a gas pipeline belonging to Aluminium of Greece. European Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said in a press release: “We have to make sure that Aluminium of Greece did not receive an unfair economic advantage over its competitors but paid, as everybody else, the market price for the electricity and gas it bought”. The opening of an in-depth investigation allows interested parties to comment on the measures under assessment, but does not prejudge the outcome of the procedure. (O.L./transl.rt)