The General Court dismisses two actions brought by Ryanair regarding Italy’s COVID-19 airline compensation scheme
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Italy notified an aid scheme of EUR 130 million to certain airlines holding an Italian licence in October 2020 .
The Commission approved the scheme, and Ryanair brought proceedings before the General Court. Then, Italy amended and extended the aid scheme, which was also approved by the Commission. Ryanair challenged this decision as well.
The General Court has rejected in both judgments Ryanair’s arguments (Case T-268/21 RENV, and Case T-538/24). It has held that neither the holding of Italian licence nor the employees’ minimum remuneration requirement entails an infringement of the principle of non-discrimination or a restriction of the freedom to provide services and the freedom of establishment. Furthermore, the Court recalled that the Commission may assess the general characteristics of an aid scheme without having to carry out an individual analysis of each award.
For further information, see the Court of Justice of the European Union’s PR.