IP/06/1856

Brussels, Belgium – The Commission launches a formal investigation procedure with regard to Germany for presumed State aid payments to the firms Bahnen der Stadt Monheim and Rheinische Bahngesellschaft.

In 2006-12-20 decision, the Commission has doubts as to the classification of payments made to the firms Bahnen der Stadt Monheim and Rheinische Bahngesellschaft by the Verkerhrsverbund Rhein Ruhr and by the firms Monheimer Verkehrs- und Versorgungswerke and Düsseldorfer Stadtwerke Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH as public service compensation within the meaning of the Altmark ruling.

The Commission also has doubts as to the compatibility of these payments with the functioning of the internal market. It therefore invites third parties to submit their comments on this matter.