Brussels, 05/05/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 30 April, the European Commission decided not to oppose €1.1 billion compensation granted by Italy to Poste Italiane from 2006 to 2008 to meet the costs of fulfilling its universal postal service obligations. The Commission investigation revealed that Poste Italiane's net costs for delivering the universal postal service obligations from 2006 to 2008 exceeded the financial support granted by Italy over this period. Thus, the state support did not excessively compensate the net service cost of providing the universal postal service and is therefore compatible with EC Treaty state aid rules. (O.L.)