"Parliamentary questions

19 April 2021

Question for written answer E-002099/2021 to the Commission Rule 138

Antonio Tajani (PPE), Salvatore De Meo (PPE), Giuseppe Milazzo (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Massimiliano Salini (PPE), Fulvio Martusciello (PPE) 

Subject: The Commission and ITA negotiations

Negotiations are under way between the Commission and the Italian Government concerning the business plan for Italia Trasporto Aereo (ITA), under which the assets of Alitalia, which is in administration, would be acquired by ITA.

During the initial negotiations, the Commission supported the economic sustainability goals set out in new company ITA’s business plan.

Now, however, negotiations have slowed down. This is partly and in particular due to some of the Commission’s demands regarding the surrender of airport slots. These demands threaten to jeopardise the entire operation to restructure Italy’s air transport system.

The Commission did not take such a punitive approach to airport slots in its dealings with other Member States.

In view of this:

1 What steps will the Commission take to ensure a swift conclusion to the ongoing negotiations and enable the operators to start work before the summer season, safeguarding tourism and jobs?

2 Will it explain why the approach taken in this case is different to that taken in the other cases, to ensure equal treatment for all Member States?

3 Will it take legislative steps to reduce the level of discretion enjoyed by DG Competition, to ensure greater legal certainty for all Member States?

Last updated: 6 May 2021".