Brussels, 27/08/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 17 August, the Italian government forwarded to the European Commission the draft legislative reform intended to rescue the Italian airline, Alitalia. According to information from the European press, the project should lead to Alitalia being split into two separate entities, one of which would take up the profit-making activities of the company, and the search for a foreign partner, most likely the Franco-Dutch airline Air France-KLM. The company to take up the profit-making activities of the company has been formed by 16 Italian shareholders willing to invest nearly one billion euro in the new venture. The plan, however, requires amendment to the Italian law on bankruptcies which, according to AFP, should be adopted on Thursday during a council of ministers. According to European Transport Minister Antonio Tajani, the text allowing this amendment has been passed on to the European authorities. Cited by the press, Mr Tajani said he believes Alitalia restructuring is a good thing as it should promote competition in Europe. “At any rate, the European Commission has no other choice but to consider the rescue plan in a favourable light”, he added. Nonetheless, according to his spokesman, no official changes have yet been brought to Brussels' notice. (A.By./transl.jl)