(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 7 - The Italian economy ministry said
Tuesday that it and Lufthansa have submitted the remedies
requested by the European Commission for the green light for the
German carrier's acquisition of a 41% stake in Italy's ITA
Airways.
The EU executive has identified competition problems linked to
the operation.
Under Brussels' lens are, in particular, 39 short-haul routes
connecting Italy with Central Europe, the US, Canada and Japan,
and the risk of a dominant position at Milan's Linate airport.
The EU will "carefully assess" the new commitments "aimed at
resolving the preliminary competition problems" in the merger, a
Commission spokeswoman said Tuesday.
The Commission said its deadline for a decision on the operation
has been put back from June 15 to July 4.
"We expect a positive decision on ITA from the European
Commission in the summer" Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr told the
carrier's the annual shareholders' meeting.
"Everyone will benefit from this merger: consumers will have
more choice and more connections, ITA will be able to become
profitable as a member of our group, there will be more
competition in the Italian market and Lufthansa will have better
access to the Italian market, which is very important for us".
(ANSA).