DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 10 August 2026
Commission approves €84 million Danish State aid scheme to support cleantech manufacturing capacity
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €84 million (DKK 629 million) Danish scheme to support clean technology (cleantech) manufacturing capacity, in line with the Clean Industrial Deal objectives. This scheme will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025.
The scheme will be open to all companies that carry out investments that add manufacturing capacity for the production of some of the net-zero technologies, as well as the production of the main specific components of these technologies, listed in Annex II of the CISAF. It also includes aid to produce new or recovered related critical raw materials necessary for the final products or main specific components. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The aid may be granted until 31 December 2026.
The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the CISAF. In particular, the aid will incentivise the production of clean technologies, as well as their main specific components and related critical raw materials. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary and appropriate to accelerate the transition towards a net-zero economy and facilitate the development of certain economic activities, which are of importance for the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal. Finally, the Commission found that the scheme is proportionate, as the aid is limited to the minimum necessary and has a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules.
More information on the CISAF can be found online. The non-confidential version of today's decision will be made available under the case number SA.124032 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74)
Commission clears acquisition of eight Mercedes-Benz retail and service outlets by GAHL
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of eight retail and service outlets of Mercedes-Benz AG of Germany by Global Auto Holdings (Topco) Limited (‘GAHL') of the UK.
The transaction relates primarily to the distribution of motor vehicles and spare parts, and the provision of certain after-sales services in the Berlin metropolitan area.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited combined market position resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12503.
Commission clears acquisition of Recordati by GBL and CVC plc
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica S.p.A. (‘Recordati') of Italy by Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA (‘GBL') of Belgium and CVC Capital Partners plc (‘CVC plc') of Jersey.
The transaction primarily relates to the pharmaceutical sector.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited market positions resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12479.
Commission clears creation of joint venture by Khazna and Eni
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Khazna Data Center Holdings Limited (‘Khazna') of UAE and Eni S.p.A. of Italy.
The transaction relates primarily to the construction, management and operation of data centres.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies' limited combined market positions resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12451.
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