02/09/2021 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 2 September, the European Commission ruled that the extension until 31 December 2022 of the concession contract for press distribution concluded between bpost and the Belgian State is compatible with the rules on State aid. Under this contract, bpost is entrusted with the provision of services of general economic interest (SGEI) relating to press distribution in return for compensation from the Belgian State. In 2016, the European Commission approved the compensation granted to bpost for the provision of these same SGEIs for the 2016-2020 period. The SGEIs compensated under the concession contract ensure the distribution of newspapers and periodicals throughout Belgium. The maximum total compensation provided for in the extension is EUR 350 million. (LC)