Britain in the Dock over Airport Control

January 7, 2004

Britain in the Dock over Airport Control 
The Scotsman, UK

The European Commission opened proceedings against THE British government today 
for failing to comply with a court ruling overturning state control of airport 
company BAA.

The EC notified London it was not satisfied with measures taken so far to 
comply with the decision by the European Court of Justice, said spokesman Reijo 
Kemppinen.

The court ruled that the state’s “golden share” in BAA, giving the 
government effective control, broke laws promoting a single market.

Although the British government announced in September that it would redeem its 
golden share, “no information was provided on any amendments made, or to be 
made,” in BAA articles preventing any one person from holding more than 15 
percent of voting rights in the company.

“Neither has any indication been received by the commission of the time scale 
envisaged for full compliance,” a statement said.

The Commission has been fighting government restrictions on cross-border 
investment. It warned Germany last year about a similar law that protects 
Volkswagen from hostile takeovers, but has so far not decided whether to 
challenge it in court.  



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