EC Puts Pressure on Italy

The European Commission has sent Italy a letter of formal notice asking for information on its compliance with a 2008 judgment of the European Court of Justice regarding contracts with AgustaWestland’s Italian subsidiary, Agusta SpA. If the Italian authorities still do not comply, the Commission said, it may ask the Court to impose a penalty payment. The Court ruled on April 8 that Italy had failed to issue competitive tenders, awarding helicopter supply contracts directly to Agusta. The Commission considers the Italian authorities have not taken the measures needed to comply with the Court judgment, which obliges them to put an end to the illegal practice.