Infrastructure
We advise on state aid matters related to the development and financing of large key infrastructure projects, including transport networks such as tunnels, bridges, railways, highways, and ports.
We also provide tailored guidance on energy infrastructure, airports, sports facilities, and broadband deployment, ensuring compliance with EU state aid rules while supporting sustainable and strategic investments.
Transport – Tunnels, Bridges, Railways, Highways
State aid is often essential for the financing of large transport infrastructure projects, including tunnels, railways, bridges, and highways, as these projects typically require significant public investment. Therefore, it has a strategic importance not least for the promotion of growth.
Ports
State aid plays a crucial role in the financing and development of ports, as they are essential infrastructure for trade and economic growth. Public funding for port construction, expansion, or operation must comply with state aid rules to ensure that it does not distort competition or unfairly favour specific operators or regions.
Energy infrastructure
Energy infrastructure is key to the EU’s green transition, as it facilitates the integration of renewable energy and ensures a secure energy supply. Large amounts of public investment are channelled into energy infrastructure projects, including electricity grids, gas pipelines, renewable energy facilities and storage systems, to accelerate their construction or expansion.
Airports
Public funding is often required for the development and upgrading of airport infrastructure, including terminals, runways, and air traffic control systems. State aid law ensures that such public funding complies with EU law, supporting airport operations as well as marketing agreements between airports and airlines without distorting competition in the internal market.
Sports and multifunctional recreational infrastructure
State aid is frequently involved in the development of sports and multifunctional recreational infrastructure, including stadia, training facilities, and recreational centres. Either when it comes to investment in construction and expansion or during operation of sports and multifunctional recreational infrastructure, state aid law ensures undistorted competition.
Broadband
State aid is often involved in the development of broadband infrastructure, which includes high-speed internet networks that provide fast and reliable connectivity for both urban and rural areas. State aid ensures that public funding for broadband projects promotes universal access to digital services while preventing distortion of competition and ensuring efficient use of resources.