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EU launches probe into Antwerp for easing costs for container operators
GIVING two port operators, PSA Antwerp and Antwerp Gateway, a break is an offence, say European Commission, which has launched a probe into what it considers illegal activities.
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into alleged state aid to two container terminal operators in Antwerp, Reuters reports.
The commission said concession agreements for PSA Antwerp NV and Antwerp Gateway NV contained a requirement for handling minimum tonnage.
But the two did not reach this between 2009 and 2012, meaning they would have to pay compensation to the publicly-owned port authority.
The Antwerp Port Authority decided in 2013 to reduce the minimum tonnage retroactively, reducing the compensation to be paid by some 80 per cent.
The commission said it received a complaint from a competitor. If not carried out on market terms, it would constitute illegal state aid.
The commission would have to determine whether to authorise such aid under rules allowing member states to grant state aid in the public interest.
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into alleged state aid to two container terminal operators in Antwerp, Reuters reports.
The commission said concession agreements for PSA Antwerp NV and Antwerp Gateway NV contained a requirement for handling minimum tonnage.
But the two did not reach this between 2009 and 2012, meaning they would have to pay compensation to the publicly-owned port authority.
The Antwerp Port Authority decided in 2013 to reduce the minimum tonnage retroactively, reducing the compensation to be paid by some 80 per cent.
The commission said it received a complaint from a competitor. If not carried out on market terms, it would constitute illegal state aid.
The commission would have to determine whether to authorise such aid under rules allowing member states to grant state aid in the public interest.
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