EU launches state aid probe into former SNCF division Sernam
The European Commission said it is launching an investigation into aid granted by the French authorities to Sernam, the former road and rail transport services operator of France’s national railway company, SNCF.
The investigation will focus on the implementation by France of a 2004 commission decision authorising aid of 503 million euros to Sernam, which also required repayment of 41 million euros already received by the company.
The commission has received complaints Sernam was not sold in accordance with the conditions imposed by that same decision and the 41 million euros has not been paid back.
The launching of this in-depth investigation will allow all interested parties to express their points of view. It does not prejudge the Commission’s final decision.
