EUR 61 million rescue aid for Lineas Group approved
The Commission has approved a Belgian rescue loan to rail freight operator Lineas Group SA/NV, providing short-term liquidity support to address the company’s financial difficulties. In parallel, following a stakeholder complaint, the Commission examined two earlier capital injections made in 2023 and 2024 by the Belgian sovereign wealth fund alongside a private investor, and concluded that these measures did not constitute State aid.
Lineas Group, the largest privately owned rail freight operator in Europe, has been affected by a slowdown in industrial demand across key sectors such as steel, automotive and chemicals. The six-month rescue loan is intended to stabilise the company’s operations while safeguarding an essential, lower-emissions alternative to road freight across several Member States.
The Commission approved the measure under the Guidelines on Rescue and Restructuring Aid, notably due to its temporary nature and appropriate safeguards. Belgium has also committed to submitting a restructuring plan should the loan not be repaid.
In parallel, following a stakeholder complaint, the Commission examined two earlier capital injections made in 2023 and 2024 by the Belgian sovereign wealth fund alongside a private investor, and concluded that these measures did not constitute State aid. For more information, see the Commission’s PR.