Invitation to submit comments to the Opening of In-Depth Investigation into Denmark’s wastewater fee system
The Commission has published in the Official Journal (OJ) the opening of the in-depth investigation procedure regarding the Danish wastewater pricing system, raising concerns that a degressive tariff model may grant an undue advantage to large industrial users.
The measure, introduced in 2013 through the so-called “staircase model”, applies lower average charges per cubic metre to companies with higher wastewater discharge volumes. While the system was designed to reflect cost differences, a complaint by Danske Slagtermestre argues that it disproportionately benefits large operators and distorts competition.
In 2018, the Commission concluded that the measure did not constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU. However, that decision was annulled by the General Court of the European Union in 2024, prompting the Commission to reassess the measure. In its renewed analysis, the Commission has identified serious difficulties in determining whether the tariff system confers a selective economic advantage.
Interested parties are invited to submit their comments within one month of the publication of the measure in the Official Journal.
For more information, see the publication in the OJ and our previous PR.