62021CJ0441_INF
Judgment of the Court (Fourth Chamber) of 6 June 2024 –Ryanair v Commission
(Case C‑441/21 P) (
1
)
(Appeal – State aid – Article 107(3)(b) TFEU – Aid scheme notified by the Kingdom of Spain – Recapitalisation fund to support strategic undertakings amid the COVID-19 pandemic – Temporary Framework for State aid measures – Decision by the European Commission not to raise objections – Aid to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy – Principles of proportionality and non-discrimination – Freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services)
1.
Aid granted by a Member State – Prohibition – Derogations – Aid capable of being regarded as compatible with the internal market – Aid to remedy serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State – Aid scheme establishing a solvency support fund for undertakings that are strategic for the Spanish economy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic – Financing granted only to non-financial undertakings established in Spain – Aid compatible with the internal market under Article 107(3)(b) TFEU – No infringement of the principle of non-discrimination on the ground of nationality
(Art. 107(3)(b) TFEU)
(see paragraphs 36-39)
2.
Aid granted by a Member State – Prohibition – Derogations – Aid capable of being regarded as compatible with the internal market – Aid to remedy serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State – Aid scheme establishing a solvency support fund for undertakings that are strategic for the Spanish economy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic – Financing granted only to non-financial undertakings established in Spain – Aid compatible with the internal market under Article 107(2)(b) TFEU – Assessment of the aid having regard to the freedom to provide services and freedom of establishment – Conditions
(Arts 49, 56 and 107(2)(b) TFEU)
(see paragraphs 78-84)
3.
Aid granted by a Member State – Prohibition – Derogations – Aid capable of being regarded as compatible with the internal market – Assessment in the light of Article 107(3)(b) TFEU – Criteria – Weighing the beneficial effects of the aid against its adverse effects on trading conditions and the maintenance of undistorted competition – Not a necessary criterion
(Art. 107(3)(b) TFEU)
(see paragraphs 92-95)
4.
Aid granted by a Member State – Prohibition – Derogations – Aid capable of being regarded as compatible with the internal market – Aid to remedy serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State – Aid scheme establishing a solvency support fund for undertakings that are strategic for the Spanish economy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic – Financing granted only to non-financial undertakings established in Spain – Commission decision finding the aid to be compatible with the internal market without initiating the formal investigation procedure – Infringement of the procedural rights of the interested parties – Conditions – Interested parties having to demonstrate the existence of doubts as to the compatibility of the aid with the internal market
(Art. 107(3)(b) TFEU)
(see paragraphs 123-130)
5.
Aid granted by a Member State – Commission decision not to raise objections to an aid scheme or an aid measure – Obligation to state reasons – Scope
(Arts 107(3)(b) and 296 TFEU)
(see paragraphs 136, 137)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the appeal;
2.
Orders Ryanair DAC to bear its own costs and to pay those incurred by the European Commission;
3.
Orders the Kingdom of Spain to bear its own costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 382, 20.9.2021.