The European Commission has opened a formal in-depth investigation to examine whether changes to the French tax rules for maritime companies are in line with EU state aid guidelines to maritime transport.The Commission intends to focus in particular on the inclusion of time chartered vessels under non-EU flags in the French tonnage tax scheme.

It should be noted that the opening of an in-depth investigation gives interested third parties the opportunity to comment on the measure under assessment and that it does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.

“ECSA fully supports the correct interpretation of the Guidelines which have proven to be an efficient framework for enhancing competitiveness by establishing a level-playing field between the EU shipping industry and its non-EU competitors, as well fostering jobs in the maritime sector” said Patrick Verhoeven, Secretary General of ECSA, and added: “We shall study the Commission’ arguments and submit our observations in due time”.

The official Commission press release can be found here.