The day after the collapse of negotiations between Ita and Lufthansa, a deafening silence manifests itself. Attempts to mend relations between the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and the German airline giant are taking place in a context of growing uncertainty. Italian sources indicate that trust between the parties has been compromised.
In Brussels, officials reiterate that the entire deal is now in the hands of the two airlines. The antitrust team, led by Margrethe Vestager, is in a waiting phase to receive the necessary documentation related to the final plan, expected by November 11. However, the officials involved remain open to granting some flexibility, given the shared interest of approving the Italian-German alliance before the end of the mandate of the current von der Leyen Commission.
It is important to note that if this operation were to fail, Ita would have to start a new process for any possible agreement with alternative partners. This would involve compliance with European antitrust procedures, a process known for its complexity and duration.
The implications of a possible failure in the agreement are significant. Experts in the corridors of the European Union recall that the recent political agreement reached on July 3 with Lufthansa was a crucial step in a long negotiation process. This path had as its main objective to ensure fair competition in the European air market. A possible abandonment of the negotiations would not only damage Ita’s immediate prospects but could also further complicate its future commercial alliances.
In conclusion, while the two companies are trying to re-establish fruitful communication, the final outcome of the negotiation remains uncertain. Will Ita be able to resolve the tensions with Lufthansa and obtain the necessary approval from the European Commission? Only time will provide a clear answer in this delicate balance between commercial opportunities and European regulation.
Blocks and Renegotiations: The Ita-Lufthansa Agreement at a Stall The future of Ita Airways, the Italian airline that took over from Alitalia, is hanging by a thread after the final package of the alliance with Lufthansa was not sent to the European Commission, as expected.
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