On Wednesday 22 December, the European Commission approved €88 million of German aid to Deutsche Bahn AG.
The measure, which will take the form of an equity injection, is intended to compensate Deutsche Bahn for the damage suffered by its subsidiary DB Cargo as a result of the coronavirus pandemic between 16 March and 17 May 2020.
As a result of the pandemic, DB Cargo’s main customers, who are active in the automotive, steel, chemicals/mineral oil and combined transport sectors, were unable to conduct their business activities, either wholly or in part, in several geographical areas.
The Commission considered that the German measure would allow for compensation for damage directly linked to the pandemic. It also found that the measure was proportionate, as the compensation envisaged did not go beyond the amount necessary to remedy the damage.
Charleroi Airport. The Commission also authorised the Belgian plan to grant up to €19.2 million for the recapitalisation of Brussels South Charleroi Airport SA (‘BSCA’). This measure has been authorised under the State aid Temporary Framework. This recapitalisation measure will follow a first capital increase of some €10.8 million to which one of BSCA's private shareholders will subscribe. The private and public shareholders will then subscribe to the additional capital increase of €19.2 million in proportion to their shareholding, with the public shareholders subscribing €9.8 million. The total amount of the capital increase should therefore be €30 million.
In addition, the Commission approved Croatian restructuring aid (€57.4 million) for the mechanical engineering company Ðuro Ðaković d.d. The measure will enable the company to finance its restructuring plan and restore its long-term viability, thanks to the support of a private investor, namely the Czech consortium DD Acquisition. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)