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May 27, 2011 (newstodate): The EU Commission has cast its eyes on Romania's plans for state investments in its regional airport infrastructure.
At issue is the question if the state financing meets a clearly defined objective of general interest, given the apparent abundance of airport services in Romania.
The Commission will also ascertain if the upgrading of the regional airport infrastructure is necessary and proportional, given the limited activity of the airports.
EU acccepts the need for state financial support to launch of services at regional airports or to cover for services of general economic interest.
But EU rules do not allow for covering operating losses on a continued basis as has been the case in Romania.
Romania currently has a total of 17 airports with scheduled commercial service, including the regional airports at Arad, Baia Mare, Bacau, Cluj, Constanta, Craiova, Iasi, Oradea, Sibiu, Suceava, Satu Mare, Tulcea, Tirgu Mures and Timisoara.
At issue is the question if the state financing meets a clearly defined objective of general interest, given the apparent abundance of airport services in Romania.
The Commission will also ascertain if the upgrading of the regional airport infrastructure is necessary and proportional, given the limited activity of the airports.
EU acccepts the need for state financial support to launch of services at regional airports or to cover for services of general economic interest.
But EU rules do not allow for covering operating losses on a continued basis as has been the case in Romania.
Romania currently has a total of 17 airports with scheduled commercial service, including the regional airports at Arad, Baia Mare, Bacau, Cluj, Constanta, Craiova, Iasi, Oradea, Sibiu, Suceava, Satu Mare, Tulcea, Tirgu Mures and Timisoara.