26/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission decided this week to authorise Italy's introduction of public service obligations (PSOs) on 16 routes linking Sardinia's three airports to the principal airports on the Italian mainland, subject to conditions in order to avoid restrictions on the launch of new air services. The Commission points out that any restriction on the freedom to provide services must be duly justified and be in proportion to real needs. It has therefore asked Italy to amend several aspects of the current PSOs, which date from 2005, and has drawn attention to the principles which member states must follow when applying them. The decision is directly applicable to Italy, which must notify the measures taken in order to implement the decision by 1 August 2007 at the latest. (aby)