EU/France: France industry minister declares ‘war’ on EU’s Almunia

France’s industry minister Arnaud Montebourg sparked an intense feud with European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia over the Commission’s state aid policy, say reports, telling reporters that “war is declared” against the EU competition chief.

”Many of us demand a reform of the state aid system so that the EU can adapt to globalization, and we get nothing,” the French politician told reporters last Wednesday. While he did not elaborate, reports say a source confirmed the riff regards the Commission’s order for maritime company SNCM to divest some state aid received by the French government.

According to reports, SNCM’s ferry services connect Corsica to mainland France. Montebourg is reportedly looking to keep the company alive.

The feud has lasted for several weeks as Almunia reportedly sent a letter to Montebourg questioning his allocation of state aid, slamming the “caricature” of state aid policy made by Montebourg; Montebourg replied and has since taken his disdain for the EU official public.

Full Content: Euractiv

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