The European Commission has established that the 3rd financial support provided by the Italian government to Alitalia is legal

European Commission (EC) established that the financial assistance amounting to EUR 24,7 million provided by the Italian Government to Alitalia complies with the State aid rules established by the European Union.

The measure aims to compensate the losses suffered by the airline as a result of the anti-covid restrictions imposed between November 1 and December 31, 2020; as stated by the Executive Vice President of the EC, Margrethe Vestager, Head of the Competition Commission.

This is the third aid that the Italian operator receives for the same reasons. The Commissioner indicated that At the same time, the investigation of financial aid received in the past by Alitalia for its restructuring continues.

Vestager added that it will continue to work closely with all Member States to ensure that national support measures can be implemented in a coordinated and effective manner and in line with EU rules.

Restrictions in force in both Italy and other European countries to limit the spread of the new wave of coronavirus they severely affected Alitalia's operations. The Italian government has notified the European Commission of an additional aid measure to compensate the airline over a period of time on certain routes.

This decision taken by the EC follows 2 other decisions taken on 4 September 2020 and 29 December 2020 to approve the Italian measures to compensate for Alitalia's losses from 1 March 2020 to 15 March 2020 and from 16 June to 31 October 2020. another 2 financial aids received by Alitalia amounting to EUR 199,45 million and EUR 73 million respectively.