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EU approves 1.9 bln euro state aid for DB Cargo, based on reorganizing plan

The European Commission has approved 1.9 billion euros ($ 2.01 billion) in state aid for German rail freight operator DB Freight, a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, the European Union said on Friday.

The help is contingent on the implementation of a. restructuring plan focused on ensuring the business's long-term. practicality, the EU said in a statement.

The choice follows a thorough investigation introduced in. January 2022 after a rival raised concerns about potential. market distortions. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT. The approval of this aid might make sure the long-term practicality of. DB Cargo, vital for sustainable logistics circuits as a. lower-emissions alternative to roadway transport.

CONTEXT. DB Freight has been under analysis considering that a competitor's problem. sparked an in-depth investigation in 2022. The probe focused on. a revenue and loss transfer agreement between Deutsche Bahn AG. and DB Freight, intra-group services, group funding conditions. of loans, and the partial coverage by the German Federal Train. Fund of reimbursement for civil servants. KEY QUOTE. The Commission is pleased that divestitures of activities and. possessions of DB Cargo, committed by Germany, will mitigate. distortions of competition caused by that state help, the. EU stated. BY THE NUMBERS. The approved German State aid amounts to 1.9 billion euros and. is aimed at supporting DB Freight's ongoing change and. restructuring strategy to ensure its long-lasting practicality by the end. of 2026. WHAT'S NEXT. From Jan. 1, the earnings and loss transfer agreement, recognized. as state aid, will no longer be in location. A restructuring plan,. consisting of a package of steps to enhance activities and. reduce expenses, is set to guarantee DB Cargo's long-term survival.

(source: Reuters)