Altmark Transports

The Altmark Transports case is a significant European court ruling from 2003 regarding state aid for public services. It determined that public transport subsidies can be permissible under EU law if they meet certain conditions. Specifically, the ruling clarified that such aid must not distort competition and should be necessary to ensure service provisions to the public. The decision is important for understanding how governments can financially support essential services without violating European Union competition rules. Essentially, it set a framework for balancing public service obligations with fair competition in the market.