Short-haul flight in Europe and profitable intercontinental flights to North America. These are the two issues to be resolved before the European Competition Commission gives the green light to the agreement between the German Lufthansa Group and the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) for the privatization of the national carrier ITA Airways, otherwise "the operation could reduce competition" they argue from Brussels.

Reasons why the technicians of the Directorate General of the European Competition Commission, led by Margrethe Vestager, postponed the decision, initially expected in January, by June 2024. By this date the two airlines will have to present convincing remedies: reduce flight frequencies between Rome-Fiumicino (ITA airport hub), Frankfurt (Lufthansa hub), Zurich (German-controlled Swiss hub) and the United States.

Brussels' aim is to prevent the ITA-Lufthansa marriage from creating monopolies, but the sacrifices required worry the two airlines for three reasons: reducing their presence in the United States would deprive the companies of a significant part of their profits (around 80% ); this would make investing in ITAs less sustainable for Germans; ITA could not be incorporated into any other European group (who is willing to reduce profitable flights?). 

On the topic, see also the article published by AVIONEWS.