The European Commission announced that it had informed the group German aircraft Lufthansa and the Italian Ministry of Economy and to consider, as a preliminary point, that their project acquisition of joint control of ITA Airways may restrict competition in relation to certain air routes on the passenger air transport services market in Italy and abroad. In particular, the Commission is concerned that the may reduce competition on a number of short connecting Italy to the countries of Central Europe and on a number of long-haul routes between Italy and the United States, Canada and Japan and that can create or strengthen the position of the ITA's dominant position at Milan-Linate airport, a situation that may make it more difficult for competitors to deliver passenger air transport services to and from the airport Italian.

Lufthansa and the MEF have a chance to respond the Commission's statement of objections, to consult the the Commission's file and to request an oral hearing, or they can propose corrective measures by next 26 April.