Commission closes interim measures proceedings against Lufthansa in A++ transatlantic joint venture case
The European Commission has concluded its interim measures antitrust proceedings against Lufthansa. The Commission determined that the conditions under Article 8 of Regulation 1/2003 were not fully met. These proceedings aimed to restore Condors access to Lufthansas traffic at Frankfurt airport as agreed in June 2024.
These measures were part of a larger investigation into potential competition restrictions on transatlantic routes involving the A++ joint venture between Lufthansa, United, and Air Canada, initiated on 7 August 2024.
On the same day, a Statement of Objections was sent to Lufthansa, indicating the necessity of interim measures, followed by a Supplementary Statement on 15 January 2025. The focus was on preventing competition harm on the Frankfurt-New York route after the termination of Condors special traffic arrangements with Lufthansa in December 2024.
After reviewing all evidence, the Commission decided to close the proceedings, noting that not all legal criteria for interim measures were satisfied. The main investigation into the A++ joint ventures compatibility with EU competition rules on transatlantic routes continues.
Further details are available on the Commissions competition website and the public case register under case number AT.40940.
(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98)
Commission approves acquisition of Infinera by Nokia
The European Commission has unconditionally approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of Infinera Corporation by Nokia Corporation. The Commission determined that the merger would not raise competition concerns in the EEA.
The investigation assessed the impact on global and EEA markets for optical transport equipment, concluding that Nokia and Infineras combined market shares are moderate, with sufficient competitive pressure from other market players.
The merger was cleared without conditions.
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98)
La Commission autorise lacquisition de iptiQ par AZ Direct
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of iptiQ EMEA P&C S.A. by Allianz Direct Versicherungs-AG. The transaction concerns the non-life insurance sector and was assessed under the simplified procedure.
No competition concerns were identified.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website and the public register under case number M.11815.
(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Le commissaire Hansen visite le Salon international de lAgriculture à Paris
Today and tomorrow, February 27 and 28, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, is in Paris to attend the International Agriculture Show, where he will present the Vision for Agriculture and Food unveiled last week.
He will discuss challenges and opportunities with farmers and meet French Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Annie Genevard, and representatives of agricultural unions and sectors. Additionally, he will converse with Elhad-Dine, the president of the Mayotte interprofessional association, about the situation following Cyclone Chido in December 2024.
During his visit, he will tour the European Commission stand showcasing various activities related to Competitive, Fair and Sustainable Agriculture for Europe. He will present certificates for recently registered French geographical indications, Caviar dAquitaine and Melon de Cavaillon, to producer groups.
Commissioner Hansen stated: The Agriculture Show is a must-attend event, and I am delighted to visit for the first time as European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food. I always prioritize direct contacts, and this is a unique opportunity to meet representatives of the agricultural world and sectors in all their diversity. It was important for me to dedicate specific time to the Mahoran representatives. Cyclone Chido devastated agricultural areas in Mayotte, decimating entire herds. The European Union stands by France in its reconstruction efforts. Finally, I will have the pleasure of presenting the protected geographical indication certificates to the producers of Caviar dAquitaine and Melon de Cavaillon, recognizing the special link between these exceptional products, their territory, and local know-how. I invite visitors to discover the European Commission stand, where they can learn in an engaging way how the EU supports European farmers and protects our agricultural model.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel: +32 2 295 45 78; Thérèse Lerebours- Tel: +32 2 296 33 03)
Agenda items for upcoming Commission meetings
Please note that these details are subject to change.
Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat: press releases