The European Commission (EC) has announced that Spanish state-owned shipbuilder Navantia will be able to increase its output through building more civilian ships from the start of next year. The lifting of a 10-year-long ban imposed on the company's predecessor, Izar, that limited civilian ships to 20% of Navantia's production was confirmed by Vice President and Commissioner for Competition Policy Joaquin Almunia. Non-military activity had been restricted as Navantia is owned and supported by the Spanish state. Within the EU trading bloc, subsidised commercial activity can be penalised as market distorting, while military and security activity is exempt.
展开▼
