Brussels, 10/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 10 April, the European Commission gave the go-ahead to a €12.7 million capital injection (state investment aid) into the company managing the Italian airports of Verona and Brescia, Aeroporto Valerio Catullo di Verona Villafranca S.p.A. The aid was notified in February 2014, but should have been notified in 2012, therefore violating the rule whereby state aid must be notified to the Commission before it is granted. After an investigation, the Commission found that the supported infrastructure projects contribute to an objective of common European interest by improving the accessibility of the region, tackling congestion of existing airports, and enabling the airports to meet passenger and cargo transport needs in northern Italy. The Italian authorities presented a business plan which showed that the public support was necessary to implement the project because the expected benefits would not cover the investment costs. The aid was also proportional to the objectives pursued, as it was limited to the funding gap. Finally, the Commission concluded that the measure will not lead to a significant distortion of competition because there is only a limited overlap with the catchment area of neighbouring airports. (EL)