State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into €400 million Italian government loan to Alit

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether Italy's € 400 million loan granted to Alitalia constitutes State aid and whether it complies with the rules on State aid to companies in difficulty. The opening of an in-depth investigation is a standard step, which provides Italy and other interested parties with an opportunity to provide their views. It does not prejudge in any way the outcome of the investigation.The Commission is working closely with the Italian authorities on the matter.