Notification of a deal between Italy
and Germany to haand a minority stake in ITA to Lufthansa "is a
long-standing issue" that "deserves a solution", said European
Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni, adding that he trusts that
the European Commission will recognise the importance of the
work done so far.
"It is not part of my brief, but it is an issue that I know well
and which is close to my heart," said Gentiloni, who has
responsibility for economic affairs but not for competition.
"Within the collegial responsibilities of the Commission I will
try to address it. It is an issue that has been dragging on for
a long time and I think it deserves a solution.
"I think the government has worked hard to find this solution
and I trust that the European Commission recognises the
importance of this work," he added.
In May Italy and Germany agreed to the acquisition by German
carrier Lufthansa in the two-year period 2023-2024 of a 41%
stake in ITA's share capital against an investment of 325
million euros.
However, the deal still needs to be approved by EU competition
and antitrust authorities, a step that can only be taken
following official notification from the two parties.
This notification, according to the European Commission, has not
been forthcoming.
On Sunday Italian economy ministry sources said Italy was
waiting for the outcome of an EC probe, which is expected to be
fast.
"The notification of the agreement for the sale of a minority
share of Ita to Lufthansa to the European Commission for
Competition is accepted, by practice, only at the end of an
investigation that the same commission is carrying out very
meticulously in the context of a pre-notification phase that has
already begun", explained at the MEF.
Separately, EC sources said the commission was in close contact
with Italy and Germany over the deal.
"The European Commission remains in close contact with the
parties to discuss the transaction".
"Prior to its official notification, these pre-notification
contacts are continuous and are part of the standard process for
assessing a complex transaction", the sources added.
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