19/08/2003 (Agence Europe) - In a press release, CDU member Werner Langen stresses the importance of the Court of Justice's ruling in the Altmark Trans case. He states the Court's decision will be a determining factor in the debate on services of general interest and European competition policy (see EUROPE of 25 July, p.5). The ruling, says the MEP, is not only significant for the public transport sector (as it concerns the public service bus transport firm Altmark (Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt), but will also be the main theme for all State aid schemes in Europe. The clear definitions given by the Court to show what constitutes State aid put an end to a period of uncertainty, Mr Langen is pleased to state, noting that the ruling will also be of fundamental importance for the debate on the European Commission's Green Paper on services of public interest which is currently being discussed in the European Parliament.